South Africa Internet Users
Individuals using the Internet IT.NET.USER.ZS
South Africa's internet users was 79.69% in 2025, ranked 118th globally. This represents a 5.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
South Africa's internet users stood at 79.69% in 2025, a rise of +4.03% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 79.69% by 2025. South Africa ranked 118th globally.
South Africa's internet user base has experienced a significant expansion over the past three and a half decades, with the number of users reaching 79.69 million as of 2025, placing the country at the 118th position globally. This growth is a stark contrast to the country's internet user base in 1990, which stood at 0.00 million. The current level of internet penetration in South Africa is comparable to that of Antigua and Barbuda, which ranks just above it at 79.70 million users. The rapid expansion of internet users in South Africa can be attributed to the country's improving economic conditions and growing digital infrastructure. Despite the recent growth, challenges such as the digital divide and unequal access to internet services persist. If South Africa's government continues to invest in digital infrastructure and initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide, the country's internet user base is likely to continue growing, potentially pushing it into the top 100 global rankings in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Internet Users | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 81.21% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 79.69% | - | - |
| 2025 | 79.69% | +4.03% | #118 |
| 2023 | 75.66% | +0.20% | #110 |
| 2022 | 75.46% | +0.49% | #106 |
| 2021 | 74.97% | +2.86% | #97 |
| 2020 | 72.11% | +2.42% | #89 |
| 2019 | 69.70% | +7.30% | #84 |
| 2018 | 62.40% | +6.23% | #91 |
| 2017 | 56.17% | +2.17% | #107 |
| 2016 | 54.00% | +2.08% | #101 |
| 2015 | 51.92% | +2.92% | #97 |
| 2014 | 49.00% | +2.50% | #96 |
| 2013 | 46.50% | +5.50% | #87 |
| 2012 | 41.00% | +7.03% | #93 |
| 2011 | 33.97% | +9.97% | #106 |
| 2010 | 24.00% | +14.00% | #114 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw internet users improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's internet users was 79.69% in 2025. Ranked 118th globally. This represents a 5.3% increase from the previous year.
South Africa's internet users peaked at 79.69% in 2025.
The lowest internet users in South Africa was 0.00% in 1990.
South Africa ranks 118th globally in internet users as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.NET.USER.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's internet users is projected to reach 79.69% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The internet users of South Africa in 2025 was 79.69%. This ranks 118th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_internet-users,
title = {South Africa Internet Users},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/internet-users/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}