Most adults in seven African countries are frequent internet users, yet awareness and consistent use of digital safety tools remain low, according to a new telephone survey by Afrobarometer.
The survey, conducted under the group’s Afrobarometer Calling initiative, covered Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania. It found that while Internet usage is widespread, significant gaps persist in digital literacy and cybersecurity practices.
On average across the seven countries, 84 percent of adults who access internet content say they do so either daily or a few times a week. Mobile phones dominate as the primary access point, with 85 percent of respondents relying on them to go online.
Young adults aged 18 to 35 are the most active users, with 87 percent reporting regular Internet access, compared to between 74 percent and 83 percent among older age groups.
Social media plays a central role in information consumption. More than eight in 10 respondents (82 percent) say they get news from social media platforms daily or several times a week, while 51 percent regularly access news from other websites.
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The telephone surveys were conducted between September 6 and November 8, 2024, with nationally representative samples of 1,200 adults in each participating country. Afrobarometer said the study focused specifically on digital use and cybersecurity awareness in response to growing online engagement across Africa.
Rising concern over data security
Despite high usage levels, concerns about digital safety are widespread. More than half (52 percent) of respondents say they are worried about the security of their personal information online.
Eighty-one percent believe mobile phones are more vulnerable to harmful online activities than computers and other devices.
However, only about one-third (32 percent) consider themselves even somewhat familiar with tools and skills to protect their digital privacy. Just 10 percent describe themselves as ‘very familiar’ with such measures.
Limited use of advanced security tools
While 72 percent of respondents say they use strong passwords to secure their accounts, adoption of more robust security measures is far lower.
Only 33 percent report using two-factor authentication, 30 percent use antivirus software, and just 21 percent use virtual private networks (VPNs). In Benin, only about half of the respondents say they use strong passwords.
The survey also reveals that most people turn to informal sources for guidance. About 62 percent rely on friends and family for information about online safety tools, while 60 percent cite social media.
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Fewer respondents access structured resources such as online tutorials (48 percent), news articles or websites (32 percent), or workplace training (29 percent).
Call for targeted digital literacy efforts
Although limited to mobile phone users aged 18 and above in seven countries, the findings reveal the need for stronger digital literacy initiatives across the continent.
The researchers suggest that as Africa’s digital footprint expands, more targeted education and accessible cybersecurity resources will be essential to ensure that connectivity remains both empowering and secure.
