Sub-Saharan African nations collectively endured a $1.5 billion economic blow in 2024 due to Internet shutdowns, according to research by Top10VPN. The region accounted for nearly one-fifth of the global $7.69 billion loss caused by these disruptions.
A total of 28 countries worldwide imposed Internet shutdowns last year, with African nations representing almost half the list. Thirteen countries, including Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Algeria, Senegal, Guinea, Mauritania, Mozambique, Chad, Mauritius, Tanzania, Papua New Guinea, and Equatorial Guinea, reported instances of disruption.
Sudan emerged as the most severely impacted country in Africa, with losses climbing to $1.12 billion. Internet services were cut off for an extraordinary duration of over 12,700 hours—equivalent to more than 529 days.
The blackout in Sudan was primarily linked to an extended conflict that has left 13,000 dead and displaced upwards of 10 million people.
Elsewhere on the continent, Internet restrictions were linked to political unrest. Kenya and Ethiopia, for instance, experienced significant shutdowns during protests, resulting in losses of $75 million and $211 million, respectively.
In Kenya, a proposed Finance Bill sparked widespread outrage, culminating in chaotic protests that made global headlines. Demonstrators faced injuries and arrests as the situation escalated.
The nationwide protests, which erupted in June, were fuelled by frustrations over a government proposal to raise taxes during an already challenging economic climate. Social media became a vital tool for young people, who organised and amplified their voices online.
Critics accused the government of corruption and poor leadership, demanding transparency, reduced taxes, and solutions to ease the cost of living. On 25 June 2024, the protests reached a boiling point when demonstrators stormed Parliament, igniting fires and resulting in casualties and the deaths of more than 20 people.
The unrest continued for weeks, drawing a mixed response from authorities, ranging from heavy-handed crackdowns to announcements of potential reforms.
In the wake of the protests, President William Ruto declined to approve the Finance Bill, dismissed key government officials, and promised to address national unity and governance concerns. However, many protesters remained unsatisfied, insisting on broader reforms, including calls for Ruto’s resignation.
Despite claims from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) that Internet services would remain uninterrupted, NetBlocks reported significant disruptions in connectivity during the protests.
Conflicts remain the primary driver of Internet blackouts in Africa, while in Asia—where the highest number of shutdowns occurred last year—elections were the leading cause.
Globally, the economic impact of Internet shutdowns has declined in recent years, falling from $24.61 billion in 2022 to $7.69 billion in 2024. However, African nations consistently bear some of the heaviest losses in these disruptions.
