As young Africans push to be online, data cost stands in the way


A customer uses the WiFi on her mobile phone at an Internet cafe in the low-income Kibera neighborhood of Nairobi, Kenya. Nearly three-quarters of African youth see universal WiFi as a human right, but sky-high data costs from Ghana to South Africa mean only one in eight can afford to be online all the time, new research shows. — AP

JOHANNESBURG/ACCRA: Alongside the food, clothing and nappies gifted to a shelter for South African flood victims, one donation proved especially popular – a WiFi router.

The router allowed the students to finish assignments, helped the unemployed find jobs and meant seamstresses could download dress patterns – tasks that had been tricky for many of them previously due to South Africa’s high Internet costs.

Unlock 30% Savings on Ad-Free Access Now!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Mobile data

Others Also Read


Want to listen to full audio?

Unlock unlimited access to enjoy personalise features on the TheStar.com.my

Already a member? Log In