Number of radio sets in Africa
Africa: Number of radio sets was 18.96 million in 2008. ◆ Volatile
Number of radio sets in Africa, 1970–2008
Source: International Telecommunication Union, World Telecommunication Development Report and database, and World Bank estimates.
Analysis
Africa recorded 18.96 million for number of radio sets in 2008.
That represents a change of down 8.7% on the previous year and down 87.5% over ten years.
Over the whole period, number of radio sets in Africa peaked at 170.72 million in 2001 and was at its lowest, 6.67 million, in 2006.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Number of radio sets in Africa, year by year
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 26.66 million | — |
| 1975 | 37.80 million | +41.8% |
| 1976 | 25.64 million | -32.2% |
| 1977 | 25.99 million | +1.4% |
| 1978 | 29.60 million | +13.9% |
| 1979 | 32.18 million | +8.7% |
| 1980 | 55.51 million | +72.5% |
| 1981 | 41.98 million | -24.4% |
| 1982 | 45.09 million | +7.4% |
| 1983 | 49.85 million | +10.5% |
| 1984 | 54.70 million | +9.7% |
| 1985 | 87.83 million | +60.6% |
| 1986 | 65.98 million | -24.9% |
| 1987 | 66.62 million | +1.0% |
| 1988 | 69.56 million | +4.4% |
| 1989 | 78.50 million | +12.8% |
| 1990 | 97.93 million | +24.8% |
| 1991 | 103.19 million | +5.4% |
| 1992 | 108.15 million | +4.8% |
| 1993 | 115.06 million | +6.4% |
| 1994 | 121.67 million | +5.7% |
| 1995 | 128.27 million | +5.4% |
| 1996 | 135.45 million | +5.6% |
| 1997 | 142.49 million | +5.2% |
| 1998 | 151.17 million | +6.1% |
| 1999 | 156.39 million | +3.5% |
| 2000 | 161.24 million | +3.1% |
| 2001 | 170.72 million | +5.9% |
| 2002 | 108.89 million | -36.2% |
| 2003 | 9.19 million | -91.6% |
| 2004 | 8.58 million | -6.7% |
| 2005 | 37.75 million | +339.9% |
| 2006 | 6.67 million | -82.3% |
| 2007 | 20.76 million | +211.1% |
| 2008 | 18.96 million | -8.7% |
Biggest year-on-year movements
Years where Number of radio sets in Africa changed far more than this series normally does. A large move can be a real event or a change in how the figure was measured — the source note below says who published it.
| Year | Change | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | +339.9% | 8.58 million | 37.75 million |
| 2007 | +211.1% | 6.67 million | 20.76 million |
| 2003 | -91.6% | 108.89 million | 9.19 million |
| 2006 | -82.3% | 37.75 million | 6.67 million |
| 1980 | +72.5% | 32.18 million | 55.51 million |
| 1985 | +60.6% | 54.70 million | 87.83 million |
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 29.64 million | 25.64 million | 37.80 million | 6 |
| 1980s | 61.56 million | 41.98 million | 87.83 million | 10 |
| 1990s | 125.98 million | 97.93 million | 156.39 million | 10 |
| 2000s | 60.31 million | 6.67 million | 170.72 million | 9 |
Countries ranked near Africa
More science & technology data for Africa
- Proportion of individuals using the Internet 41.8% (2025)
- Proportion of population covered by at least a 2G mobile network 94.9% (2025)
- Proportion of population covered by at least a 3G mobile network 90.2% (2025)
- Proportion of population covered by at least a 4G mobile network 77.6% (2025)
- Proportion of individuals who own a mobile telephone, by sex 69.4% (2024)
- Proportion of adults (15 years and older) with an account at a 54.9% (2024)
- Mobile phone subscribers 623.58 per 1,000 people (2011)
- Telephone mainlines 28.95 per 1,000 people (2011)
- Telephone (mainlines and mobile phone) subscribers 652.53 per 1,000 people (2011)
- Revenue from mobile communication 25.95 billion current US$ (2011)
Frequently asked questions
- What is number of radio sets in Africa?
- Number of radio sets in Africa was 18.96 million in 2008, according to International Telecommunication Union, World Telecommunication Development Report and database, and World Bank estimates.
- What is the highest number of radio sets recorded in Africa?
- The highest recorded value was 170.72 million in 2001.
- What is the lowest number of radio sets recorded in Africa?
- The lowest recorded value was 6.67 million in 2006.
- How does Africa rank for number of radio sets?
- Africa ranks 1st out of 6 groups with data for 2008.
- Is number of radio sets rising or falling in Africa?
- Over the last ten years it is down 87.5%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this Africa data come from?
- The figures come from International Telecommunication Union, World Telecommunication Development Report and database, and World Bank estimates, published as part of Number of radio sets. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Please cite the International Telecommunication Union for third-party use of these data. The total number of radio sets. A radio set is a device capable of receiving broadcast radio signals, using popular frequencies, such as FM, AM, LW and SW. A radio set may be a stand-alone device, or it may be integrated into another device, such as a Walkman, a car or an alarm clock.