Is Data Really Cheaper Now? Mobile Internet Prices Across African Countries - March 2025 Report

Published: March 20, 2025
Zellow Insights / Category: Price

"Every app wants our time — but first, they need our data. So, who’s paying more to stay online?"
- Anonymous respondent, Kenya.

Background

In today’s Africa, mobile internet isn't a luxury, it's survival. From WhatsApp calls to online businesses, mobile data powers everything. But how much does it really cost to stay connected across the continent?

To answer that, we gathered survey responses from over 2,700 smartphone users across 8 African countries, asking:

• How much do you spend on data weekly?

• Which network provider do you use?

• Do you feel like data is getting cheaper or more expensive?

The results paint a surprising picture of cost, value, and access, revealing just how uneven the digital playing field still is.

Key Findings

• Nigeria has one of the highest average weekly data costs at ₦2,900/week (~₦11,600/month).

• South Africa and Egypt report the lowest average cost per GB, but with huge gaps in service quality.

• Kenya has one of the best value-per-GB rates, especially with Safaricom's flexible data packs.

• 58% of users say data prices have gone up in the last year, despite telcos advertising “cheaper plans.”

Country-by-Country Breakdown

Insight: The price per GB is only part of the story, some countries with “cheap” data also report poor speed, low reliability, and capped coverage, especially in rural areas.

What Influences Data Costs?

1. Infrastructure investment: Fiber and 4G/5G rollout varies by region.

2. Government taxes & levies: In countries like Nigeria and Uganda, telecom taxes increase final data cost.

3. Currency instability: Devaluation of local currencies affects telcos’ pricing strategy.

4. Data plan structure: Daily vs weekly vs monthly bundles have different economics.

“₦500 can vanish in one night on TikTok. These apps don’t care. But I need them to market my hair business.” - Anonymous respondent, Lagos

What People Are Spending Monthly

Many users are now spending ₦60,000+ yearly on mobile data, equivalent to 1 month’s rent in some cities.

User Voices

“I only buy night data. It’s cheaper, but then I have to work late into the night.” - Anonymous respondent, Accra

“I had to remove YouTube from my phone. One video can burn ₦400.” - Anonymous respondent, Abuja

“Sometimes I switch SIMs to whichever one has bonus. It’s stressful but necessary.” - Anonymous respondent, Nairobi

Is Data Getting Cheaper?

Telcos advertise data price cuts. But on the ground, users say otherwise.

• 58% say prices are increasing, often indirectly (lower data caps, faster burn rate).

• 25% say prices have stayed the same, but usage needs have doubled.

• Only 17% believe data is cheaper now than a year ago.

Perception matters: Users feel like they are spending more, even if price-per-GB has technically dropped.

Urban vs Rural Divide

• Urban areas enjoy faster speeds and better bundle options.

• Rural users report more dropped connections, fewer bundle choices, and higher per-GB costs.

• 82% of rural respondents said they “ration” data strictly, using only for WhatsApp or light browsing.

Final Insight

Access to affordable, high-speed mobile data is no longer a privilege. It's a foundational need. Education, work, communication, business, and banking now depend on it.

Until data becomes truly affordable, reliable, and accessible, millions will remain digitally excluded from opportunities others take for granted.

Join the Movement

Zellow is giving voice to what users are really spending and experiencing, far beyond what providers publish.

Download Zellow App and help create Africa’s most transparent pricing map.