(Agence Ecofin) – The adoption of the Internet is closely linked to that of mobile telephony, particularly with regard to mobile Internet. Between 2022 and 2023, the number of active SIM cards in Senegal increased from 20.5 million to 22.4 million.
The Telecommunications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARTP) recorded 19.8 million Internet subscriptions from mobile telephone operators and Internet service providers as of December 31, 2023. This represents a growth of 15.2 % compared to the 17.2 million recorded in 2022. The regulator did not specify whether this was the number of people using the Internet or the number of SIM cards with access to Internet services. However, the penetration rate increased from 97.12% in 2022 to 110.11% in 2023.
Regarding mobile telephony, the number of active SIM cards in Senegal increased from 20.5 million to 22.4 million between 2022 and 2023. “The number of mobile telephone lines (22,400,205), much higher than the Senegalese population (18,032,473) is explained by the multi SIM phenomenon (a customer having several SIM cards)», declared the ARTP.
The ARTP did not explain the reason behind this growth in the number of Internet users. However, the regulator’s data shows growth in internet traffic from 8.33 terabits to 13.15 terabits in 2023. This represents a growth rate of around 58% year-on-year.
This growth can be attributed to the renewed interest of the Senegalese in the network platforms which they use to obtain information, do business online, exchange with relatives, entertain themselves, participate in public debates on political governance… in addition to government digital services, as well as other innovative services provided by private start-ups in the fields of education, health, commerce, agriculture, etc.
The growth in internet adoption and usage can also be attributed to the various initiatives implemented by the government to accelerate the adoption of digital services. For example, the executive obtained a $150 million loan from the World Bank in April 2023 to accelerate Senegal’s digital transformation. The initiative includes extending affordable broadband connectivity to remote areas, among others.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
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