Afrobarometer Survey Reveals Rising Internet Use but Low Cybersecurity Awareness in Africa
A new telephone survey by Afrobarometer reveals that while most adults in seven African countries frequently access the Internet, many lack awareness of digital security tools and apply online safety practices inconsistently.
The survey, conducted in Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania, shows that Internet usage is widespread, with 84% of connected adults going online daily or several times a week. Mobile phones remain the dominant access device, used by 85% of respondents, though they are also widely viewed as the most vulnerable to cyber threats.
Despite growing connectivity, digital protection habits remain limited. More than half of respondents expressed concern about the safety of their personal data online, yet only 32% said they were familiar with tools that help protect privacy and online information. While 72% reported using strong passwords, adoption of more advanced security measures remains low, including two-factor authentication (33%), antivirus software (30%), and virtual private networks (21%).
The findings also show that many users depend on informal sources for cybersecurity guidance. Friends and family (62%) and social media platforms (60%) are the most common channels for learning about online safety, while structured resources such as workplace training, online tutorials, or news platforms are used less frequently.
Although limited to Internet users aged 18 and above in seven countries, the survey underscores significant gaps in digital literacy. As Internet adoption continues to expand across Africa, the results point to the urgent need for targeted education initiatives and accessible cybersecurity resources to ensure safer digital participation.
The study was conducted under Afrobarometer Calling, a research initiative designed to examine emerging issues through mobile-phone surveys carried out between September and November 2024.
