Tech: Internet shutdowns are hurting the purse of African governments more than we thought

Internet shutdowns are becoming a mainstay in Africa

Don't be too excited about surfing the internet if you find yourself in Africa because you cant be pretty sure to have an undisrupted internet.

Since 2015, the continent has experienced frequent internet shutdowns making governments to either completely cut off the internet or block access to platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter.

In 2016 alone, over 10 countries had internet shutdown, some were experienced during and before elections and also during national exams like it happened in Algeria.

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In 2017, Cameroon instituted a 93-day blackout in its English-speaking regions. Not long ago Togo also shut down the internet during a protest against President Faure Gnassingbé.

According to the Collaboration on International ICT Policy in East and Southern Africa, internet shutdowns are becoming a mainstay in Africa. The authority tallied the shutdowns in the countries below.

 

Over a combined period of 236 days since 2015, internet interruptions in these countries led to deficits of at least over $235 million.

The shutdowns are even more damaging as technology and the internet are needed to enable more businesses across the continent. By 2025, the internet’s contribution to Africa’s GDP could grow by as much as 10% or $300 billion, according to McKinsey.

READ ALSO:It will take you a WHOLE day to download an HD movie in some of these countries according to a new internet speed ranking

The table below by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy in East and Southern Africa shows how internet shutdowns continue to cost Africa's economies

 

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