Botswana Mobile Subscriptions
Mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people IT.CEL.SETS.P2
Botswana's mobile subscriptions was 191.83 in 2025, ranked 7th globally. This represents a 7.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Botswana's mobile subscriptions stood at 191.83 in 2025, a rise of +12.80 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 191.83 by 2025. Botswana ranked 7th globally.
Botswana's mobile subscription growth has been remarkable, particularly since the turn of the century. From a base of zero subscriptions in 1960, the country has rapidly expanded its mobile network, reaching 191.83 subscriptions per capita by 2025, a milestone that places it among the top seven globally. The country's all-time peak in mobile subscriptions occurred in 2025, a testament to its robust economic growth and increasing connectivity. In contrast, the trough of 0.00 subscriptions in 1997 marks a significant turning point in the country's history, underscoring the importance of the telecommunications sector in driving development. Botswana's mobile subscription rate is comparable to that of Japan, which had 192.28 subscriptions per capita in 2025. The country's commitment to expanding its telecommunications infrastructure is expected to continue driving growth in mobile subscriptions, with potential disruptions to this trend arising from advancements in emerging technologies, such as 5G.
Data & projection
| Year | Mobile Subscriptions | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 197.14 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 191.83 | - | - |
| 2025 | 191.83 | +12.80 | #7 |
| 2023 | 179.03 | +0.82 | #8 |
| 2022 | 178.21 | +4.95 | #8 |
| 2021 | 173.25 | +11.39 | #8 |
| 2020 | 161.86 | +1.20 | #9 |
| 2019 | 160.66 | +13.60 | #14 |
| 2018 | 147.07 | +4.10 | #16 |
| 2017 | 142.96 | −4.21 | #26 |
| 2016 | 147.17 | −10.56 | #20 |
| 2015 | 157.74 | +0.72 | #11 |
| 2014 | 157.02 | +5.35 | #14 |
| 2013 | 151.67 | +5.52 | #23 |
| 2012 | 146.15 | +6.28 | #27 |
| 2011 | 139.87 | +23.62 | #30 |
| 2010 | 116.25 | +22.10 | #55 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Botswana matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw mobile subscriptions improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Botswana's mobile subscriptions was 191.83 in 2025. Ranked 7th globally. This represents a 7.2% increase from the previous year.
Botswana's mobile subscriptions peaked at 191.83 in 2025.
The lowest mobile subscriptions in Botswana was 0.00 in 1960.
Botswana ranks 7th globally in mobile subscriptions as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.CEL.SETS.P2. Data sourced from World Bank.
Botswana's mobile subscriptions is projected to reach 191.83 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The mobile subscriptions of Botswana in 2025 was 191.83. This ranks 7th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_botswana_mobile-subscriptions,
title = {Botswana Mobile Subscriptions},
url = {https://historysaid.com/botswana/mobile-subscriptions/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}