10 Mar New survey points to lack of basic digital literacy in African nations

Most adults across several African countries are using the internet regularly, but many remain unfamiliar with basic digital security measures and use them inconsistently, according to new research.

A telephone survey by Afrobarometer found that while online access is widespread across Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal and Tanzania, knowledge of how to protect personal information online remains limited.

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.

Across the seven countries surveyed, an average of 84 per cent of respondents said they use the internet “every day” or “a few times a week”. Mobile phones dominate access, with 85 per cent of users relying primarily on them to connect online.

Younger adults were the most frequent users. Among those aged 18 to 35, 87 per cent reported regular internet use, compared with between 74 and 83 per cent among older age groups.

Social media has become the main source of news for many respondents. Some 82 per cent said they accessed news through social media platforms, while 51 per cent reported using other internet sites.

Despite the high levels of internet use, concerns about online safety are widespread. More than half of respondents — 52 per cent — said they were worried about the security of their personal information online, and 81 per cent considered mobile phones more vulnerable to cyber threats than other devices.

However, familiarity with tools designed to protect digital privacy remains low. Only 32 per cent of respondents said they were “somewhat” or “very” familiar with tools and skills that could help protect their data online.

While nearly three-quarters of respondents, 72 per cent, reported using strong passwords, other key cybersecurity practices were far less common. Just 33 per cent said they used two-factor authentication, 30 per cent used antivirus software and 21 per cent reported using virtual private networks.

The research also found that many people rely on informal networks for advice on digital safety. Around 62 per cent said they turned to friends and family for guidance, while 60 per cent relied on information shared on social media.

More structured sources of information were less frequently used. Online tutorials were cited by 48 per cent of respondents, while 32 per cent used news websites, and only 29 per cent said they had received training on digital safety through their workplace.

The findings point to significant gaps in digital literacy across rapidly expanding online populations in Africa and highlight the need for more accessible education on cybersecurity practices.

Afrobarometer said the research offers insight into how internet use and awareness of cyber risks are evolving across the continent, underlining the importance of building a digitally informed and resilient population as connectivity continues to grow.