Number of internet users in South Africa
South Africa: Number of internet users was 46.11 million in 2021. ◆ Volatile
Number of internet users in South Africa, 1990–2021
Source: Our World in Data.
Analysis
The most recent figure for number of internet users in South Africa is 46.11 million, measured in 2021. That is the highest value across all 32 years on record.
Compared with earlier readings it is up 5.6% on the previous year and up 156.1% over ten years.
Over the whole period, number of internet users in South Africa peaked at 46.11 million in 2021 and was at its lowest, 0, in 1990.
That places South Africa 21st out of 207 groups with data for 2021, putting it in the top 10%.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 487,636 | 0 | 1.93 million | 10 |
| 2000s | 3.74 million | 2.52 million | 5.17 million | 10 |
| 2010s | 27.61 million | 12.56 million | 41.53 million | 10 |
| 2020s | 44.89 million | 43.67 million | 46.11 million | 2 |
Countries ranked near South Africa
More science & technology data for South Africa
- Scientific and technical journal articles 14,949 (2023)
- Mobile cellular subscriptions by country 114.79 million (2024)
- Mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people 179.34 (2024)
- Mobile landline subscriptions 179.34 (2024)
- Patent applications, nonresidents 9,156 (2021)
- Share of individuals using the internet 78.36 (2024)
- Patent applications, residents 1,804 (2021)
- Research and development expenditure 0.6% (2022)
- Broadband penetration by country 5.35 (2024)
- Landline internet subscriptions 3.42 million (2024)
Frequently asked questions
- What is number of internet users in South Africa?
- Number of internet users in South Africa was 46.11 million in 2021, according to Our World in Data.
- What is the highest number of internet users recorded in South Africa?
- The highest recorded value was 46.11 million in 2021.
- What is the lowest number of internet users recorded in South Africa?
- The lowest recorded value was 0 in 1990.
- How does South Africa rank for number of internet users?
- South Africa ranks 21st out of 207 groups with data for 2021.
- Is number of internet users rising or falling in South Africa?
- Over the last ten years it is up 156.1%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this South Africa data come from?
- The figures come from Our World in Data, published as part of Number of internet users. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
Download this data
CSV · JSON — 32 observations, free to reuse under CC BY 4.0 (Our World in Data).