Governments across Africa intensified efforts to silence dissent in 2024, leading to a record number of digital blackouts shutting down internet connections across the continent.
- A record number of 21 internet shutdowns were recorded in 15 African countries in 2024
- Shutdowns were linked to political unrest, elections, and security crackdowns
- Four countries, including Myanmar and India, accounted for 71% of global internet shutdowns
A report by internet rights group Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition revealed that 21 internet shutdowns were recorded in 15 African countries, surpassing the previous record of 19 shutdowns in 2020 and 2021.
The countries affected included Sudan, Tanzania, Senegal, Comoros, and Guinea-Bissau, along with Burundi, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Guinea, and Nigeria—many of which have a history of imposing internet restrictions.
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These shutdowns were primarily linked to political unrest, elections, and security crackdowns, often used as a tool by authorities to curb opposition voices.
Globally, internet shutdowns surged to a record 296 cases across 54 countries in 2024, compared to 283 shutdowns in 39 countries the previous year.
Access Now described this as the worst year for internet restrictions since it began tracking them in 2016, emphasizing that shutdowns are increasingly being used as a weapon to control information, especially during crises.
Since 2016, a total of 1,754 internet shutdowns have been recorded worldwide, disrupting communication at critical moments.
Africa loses more from internet shutdowns
Governments often justify internet shutdowns by citing national security concerns, election-related tensions, or efforts to prevent misinformation.
However, critics argue that these restrictions violate digital rights and freedom of expression.
“Internet shutdowns are never justified. Since 2016, the #KeepItOn coalition has documented shutdowns’ clear harms and helped to solidify international consensus that shutdowns are incompatible with human rights. Despite these gains, perpetrators of internet shutdowns around the world continue to leverage this tactic to silence and isolate with impunity,” the report noted
A report by Top10VPN reveals that Sub-Saharan Africa lost approximately $1.56 billion due to 32,938 hours of internet disruptions, affecting over 111.2 million people.
These shutdowns were primarily government-imposed, often in response to conflicts, political unrest, and attempts to curb dissent.
The broader financial impact of these shutdowns has been devastating, contributing to significant losses in the tech and e-commerce sectors.
Despite international condemnation, internet blackouts remain a common censorship tool in Africa, highlighting the growing tension between state control and the need for open digital access.
According to the report, the following African countries experienced internet shutdowns in 2024:
| Rank | Country | Number of times blocked |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sudan | 4 |
| 2 | Tanzania | 4 |
| 3 | Senegal | 3 |
| 4 | Chad | 2 |
| 5 | Ethiopia | 2 |
| 6 | Kenya | 2 |
| 7 | Mauritania | 2 |
| 8 | Mozambique | 2 |
| 9 | Uganda | 2 |
The table highlights internet shutdowns in African nations, showing how frequently governments blocked internet access in 2024.
- Sudan and Tanzania had the highest number of shutdowns (4 each), likely due to political unrest and government crackdowns on dissent.
- Senegal followed with 3 shutdowns, reflecting government-imposed restrictions during protests or elections.
- Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritania, Mozambique, and Uganda each experienced 2 shutdowns, often linked to elections, protests, or security concerns.
These shutdowns disrupt communication, limit access to information, and affect economic activities, often during periods of political tension or conflict.
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Globally, four countries accounted for 71% of global internet shutdowns, with 209 cases. Myanmar led with 85 shutdowns, largely imposed by the military regime amid ongoing civil war.
India followed with 84 shutdowns, marking the first time since 2018 that it was not the top offender.
Pakistan recorded 21 shutdowns, its highest ever, while Russia imposed 19 shutdowns, including seven in Ukraine, during its continued invasion.
