Internet Closures in Africa

Top10VPN latest research shows that since 2020, at least 12 countries have shut down the internet at least 19 times. In 2020, the Nigerian government suspended the use of Twitter in the country, citing security concerns. The 7-month shutdown of Twitter cost the Nigerian economy an estimated $26.1bn (N10.72 trillion). Last year, Senegal experienced a series of Internet blackouts and social media shutdowns following widespread protests. In 2023, Sub-Saharan Africa witnessed a financial setback of $1.74bn during 30,785 hours of internet downtime, affecting 84.8m people. The main reasons for the shutdowns were protests, information control, conflict, military coups, and election interference. Ethiopia, for example, blocked social media and messaging services for 158 days amid religious tensions and anti-government protests, losing an estimated $43m.