Afrobarometer Survey Highlights Digital Literacy and Cybersecurity Gaps Across Seven African Countries
The survey, conducted between September 6 and November 8, 2024, focused on adults aged 18 and above who own mobile phones and access online content.
A recent Afrobarometer telephone survey has found that while most adults across Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania access the Internet frequently, many remain unfamiliar with digital security measures and implement them inconsistently. The survey, conducted between September 6 and November 8, 2024, focused on adults aged 18 and above who own mobile phones and access online content.
On average, 84% of respondents reported using the Internet “every day” or “a few times a week,” with mobile phones serving as the primary access device for 85% of users. Young adults aged 18–35 were the most frequent users, with 87% reporting regular online activity compared to 74–83% among older age groups. Social media is the dominant source of news, with 82% of respondents accessing news through these platforms and 51% relying on other Internet sites.
Despite high Internet usage, over half of respondents (52%) expressed concern about the security of their personal information online, and 81% considered mobile phones more vulnerable to cyber threats than other devices. Only 32% felt “somewhat” or “very” familiar with tools and skills to protect their digital privacy. While 72% reported using strong passwords, other key security practices—such as two-factor authentication (33%), antivirus software (30%), and VPNs (21%)—were far less common.
Respondents relied heavily on informal sources for guidance on digital safety, including friends and family (62%) and social media (60%), while structured resources like online tutorials (48%), news websites (32%), or workplace training (29%) were less frequently utilized.
The findings highlight critical gaps in digital literacy and underscore the need for targeted education and accessible resources to ensure that Africa’s growing digital footprint is both empowering and secure. Afrobarometer’s research provides valuable insights into patterns of Internet use and cybersecurity awareness, reinforcing the importance of building a digitally informed and resilient population across the continent.
