5 Countries with the Lowest Internet Penetration Rates in 2023

In this piece, we will take a look at the 5 countries with the lowest internet penetration rates in 2023 . For more countries, head on over to the 25 countries with the lowest internet penetration rates in 2023.

5. Central African Republic

Average percentage of population with internet access from 2017 – 2021: 7.2%

Even though internet access in Central African Republic is still really low, digital financial solutions are the best bet for a progressive post-conflict nation and for that, internet access needs to improve significantly.

4. Uganda

Average percentage of population with internet access from 2017 – 2021: 6.9%

Despite double digit growth in internet penetration, the vast majority of Uganda’s population still doe not have internet access, resulting in it being counted among the countries with the lowest internet penetration in 2023.

3. South Sudan

Average percentage of population with internet access from 2017 – 2021: 5.3%

South Sudan’s internet access in 2020 increased to 6.5% and in May 2023, the World Bank approved a grant of $172 million to improve internet access in South Sudan and Somalia.

2. Burundi

Average percentage of population with internet access from 2017 – 2021: 3.5%

The country with the second-least internet penetration in Africa and in the world is Burundi, and while internet access has increased by 33% in the last 5 years, that still only means that less than 6% of the nation is able to use the internet.

1. Somalia

Average percentage of population with internet access from 2017 – 2021: 2.0%

Topping the list of 25 countries with the highest internet penetration in 2023 is Somalia, with just 2% of a population of over 17 million people with access to the internet. It is also among the most dangerous countries in the world, and internal conflict has resulted in difficulty in deploying necessary infrastructure for internet access.

Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily e-newsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below. You can also check out our articles on 20 Most Influential Economists in the World and Stanley Druckenmiller 13F Portfolio: Top 15 Stocks.