In Nigeria, South Africa, and other African countries, mobile connectivity is driving access to business, education, healthcare, and digital banking, transforming the way millions live and work, according to a report by The African Exponent.
The report disclosed that in 2025, Africa had over 1 billion active Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards, with penetration rates exceeding 100 percent in many countries due to widespread multi-SIM ownership.
“Each country is given a rank depending on the number of people using a mobile device at the given time, the rate of mobile coverage (SIMs for every 100 in the population), and the overall number of people who own feature phones and smartphones,” it said.
The report added that while average income remains modest in many regions, mobile phone ownership is universal in several countries, including Gabon, Eswatini, and Côte d’Ivoire, reflecting a deep-rooted reliance on mobile technology.
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Here are 10 countries with the most mobile phone ownership and usage
1. Nigeria
Over 200 million Nigerians have connections via mobile devices, which amounts to an 85 percent penetration rate. Because Nigeria has the highest population among African countries, it has the largest number of users for mobile phones, even though its penetration rate is not as high as some other small nations.
By 2025, an estimated 140 million Nigerians will have smartphones. Because of the lively sector and rising digital economy, phones are becoming the main tool for both shopping and entertainment in this country.
2. South Africa
The country has over 118 million mobile networks, which is a penetration rate (195 percent) almost twice as high as in many other countries. The very high rate is caused by many people having multiple SIM cards, mainly found in big urban areas. Mobile networks in South Africa have reached maturity, offering 4G to most users and starting to add 5G technology. Because smartphones are easy to get and they offer reasonable data plans, the country leads its region in digital areas.
3. Egypt
In the early months of 2024, Egypt had over 110 million active mobile phone connections, with nearly all Egyptians owning a phone (94 percent). The government’s efforts on digital and smart city projects have contributed to rapid growth in mobile access. While some people still use feature phones, smartphone ownership is on the rise, particularly among young people who are leading the way in digital activities.
4. Kenya
There are roughly 66 million mobile connections in Kenya, and penetration is more than 118 percent. M-Pesa made Kenya famous for mobile money, and many people there use their phones for fintech, health, and education. People are embracing smartphones, especially in cities, which is fuelling the need for more online services and applications. Prices in telecom are affordable because of stiff competition.
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5. Ethiopia
As of early 2024, approximately 77 million people in Ethiopia were using mobile phones, indicating a penetration rate of around 60 percent. Even though its growth is not as fast as some of the others, the country has been expanding its mobile sector rapidly after a long period of limited access. Government changes to the telecom sector, encouraging new entrants, are likely to increase the number of users. More people here are depending on their phones to get financial services and information about farming.
6. Morocco
Many Moroccans own multiple SIM cards, which has led to a mobile penetration rate above 137 percent. Because over 95 percent of adults have mobile phones in the country, a variety of service providers give users many choices, and large sums are spent on both 4G and emerging 5G services. Morocco’s approach to digital development encourages people to own smartphones and learn about technology, which has given mobile connectivity to cities as well as rural regions.
7. Gabon
Nearly 96 percent of Gabonese people own mobile phones, which is one of the highest rates in Africa. Due to the small population, most telecom companies in the country can easily cover every person. Mobile phones are used by more people than the number of users because some users have more than one SIM card. Modern telecom structures are now available in Gabon because of its oil wealth, serving both city and rural areas with steady service.
8. Côte d’Ivoire
In Côte d’Ivoire, 94 percent of the population owns a mobile phone, which is largely attributed to the rapid growth of mobile money services utilised by millions across the country. Several competing telecom operators help lower access costs for customers. The increasing use of smartphones is driven by high youth employment and a quickly expanding middle class. Additionally, the government is promoting policy solutions aimed at expanding network coverage and bridging the gap between those who have access to modern technology and those who do not.
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9. Mauritius
More than 94 percent of people in Mauritius own mobile phones because the telecom sector is very advanced. Because many people use several SIMs and smartphones, the country now exceeds 120 percent in simultaneous use. In Mauritius, having a mobile line usually means access to fast internet, and this has made the country very digital. Because it is both compact and economically stable, Mauritius has integrated technology more quickly than many bigger countries.
10. Eswatini
Nearly 94 percent of people in Eswatini now own mobile phones. Even with a small population of 1.18 million, everyone now has access to mobile connectivity, which helps many people take part in financial services using their phones. Most people own more than one SIM card, which has helped mobile phone users surpass the 100 percent mark, and the government is expanding networks, so rural areas are well-connected.
