Nigeria has been ranked 7th in Sub-Saharan Africa for internet speed, according to the Worldwide Broadband Speed League 2024 report released by Cable.co.uk. The report, which analyzed over 1.5 billion speed tests from around the world, provides a comprehensive overview of internet speeds in 229 countries.
Nigeria’s Position in Sub-Saharan Africa
In the context of Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria’s 7th place position in broadband speed reflects the existing challenges in improving internet infrastructure and accessibility. The top-performing countries in the region are Réunion, South Africa, Eswatini, Rwanda, Mauritius, and Botswana, setting benchmarks that Nigeria aims to reach as it continues to develop its digital infrastructure.
Global Context and Comparisons
Globally, the countries with the fastest internet speeds are predominantly from Europe and parts of Asia. Iceland tops the list with an average speed of 279.55 Mbps, followed by Jersey, Macau, Liechtenstein, and Denmark. These countries have made significant investments in their digital infrastructure, providing high-speed internet access to their populations.
Regional Averages and Insights
The report also provides a detailed analysis of internet speed across different global regions. Western Europe leads with an average speed of 141.12 Mbps, while the Baltics and Northern America also perform exceptionally well. In contrast, Sub-Saharan Africa, with an average speed of 14.99 Mbps, is the second slowest region globally, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by many African nations in upgrading their digital infrastructure.
Detailed Analysis of Nigeria’s Broadband Performance
Nigeria’s broadband speed of 27.62 Mbps, while improving, still shows the broader challenges of internet connectivity in the region. Downloading a 5GB movie in Nigeria would take approximately 12 hours and 24 minutes, a stark contrast to the mere minutes it would take in top-ranking countries. The slow internet speed in Nigeria affects not only individual users but also businesses and educational institutions that rely heavily on the internet for daily operations. Addressing the infrastructural challenges and investing in digital technologies will be essential for Nigeria to enhance its internet speeds, foster economic development, and improve the quality of life for its citizens.