South Africa Mobile Subscriptions
Mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people IT.CEL.SETS.P2
South Africa's mobile subscriptions was 171.24 in 2025, ranked 19th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
South Africa's mobile subscriptions stood at 171.24 in 2025, a decline of +0.27 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 171.24 by 2025. South Africa ranked 19th globally.
South Africa's mobile subscription landscape has experienced significant growth since the 1980s. From a mere 0.00 subscriptions in 1988, the country reached an all-time high of 171.51 in 2023, indicating a substantial increase in mobile penetration. As of 2025, South Africa ranks 19th globally with 171.24 mobile subscriptions per 100 people. This growth mirrors that of its peers, such as Qatar, which currently holds the top spot with 171.60 mobile subscriptions. In comparison, South Africa's mobile subscription rate is marginally lower than that of Qatar's. This expansion has primarily been driven by increased accessibility and affordability of mobile services in the country. However, the trend may be impacted by the growing competition from emerging technologies, such as 5G networks, which could potentially alter the trajectory of mobile subscription growth in South Africa.
Data & projection
| Year | Mobile Subscriptions | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 173.22 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 171.24 | - | - |
| 2025 | 171.24 | −0.27 | #19 |
| 2023 | 171.51 | +10.78 | #12 |
| 2022 | 160.73 | −2.40 | #20 |
| 2021 | 163.13 | +4.68 | #11 |
| 2020 | 158.45 | −4.29 | #11 |
| 2019 | 162.74 | +5.05 | #13 |
| 2018 | 157.69 | +4.14 | #9 |
| 2017 | 153.55 | +9.62 | #15 |
| 2016 | 143.93 | −11.21 | #26 |
| 2015 | 155.14 | +12.53 | #16 |
| 2014 | 142.60 | +2.03 | #33 |
| 2013 | 140.58 | +13.41 | #36 |
| 2012 | 127.17 | +6.40 | #52 |
| 2011 | 120.77 | +24.53 | #55 |
| 2010 | 96.23 | +6.46 | #96 |
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 mobile subscriptions improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's mobile subscriptions was 171.24 in 2025. Ranked 19th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's mobile subscriptions peaked at 171.51 in 2023.
The lowest mobile subscriptions in South Africa was 0.00 in 1960.
South Africa ranks 19th globally in mobile subscriptions as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.CEL.SETS.P2. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's mobile subscriptions is projected to reach 171.24 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The mobile subscriptions of South Africa in 2025 was 171.24. This ranks 19th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_mobile-subscriptions,
title = {South Africa Mobile Subscriptions},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/mobile-subscriptions/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}