The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has released its annual report, Facts and Figures 2026, which projects that 6.3 billion people, or 76% of the global population, will be using the internet by 2026. This represents a significant increase from 2025, when an estimated 6.1 billion people, or 74% of the population, used the internet. The ITU attributes this growth to increasing connectivity worldwide, but notes that a substantial gap remains between high-income and low-income countries.
The report highlights a stark contrast in internet usage between high-income and low-income countries. In high-income countries, 93% of the population uses the internet, compared to just 32% in low-income countries. This disparity is also reflected in mobile network coverage, with 5G networks covering 59% of the global population, but only 4% of people in low-income countries. The ITU notes that these countries, which include many in sub-Saharan Africa, face significant challenges in expanding their digital infrastructure.
Mobile phone ownership also varies significantly between high-income and low-income countries. According to the ITU, 84% of people aged 10 and above own a mobile phone, with this figure rising to 95% in high-income countries and falling to 57% in low-income countries. The report also notes that the average monthly data traffic per mobile broadband subscription in low-income countries is around 3.4 GB, compared to 20 GB in high-income countries.
The ITU report also identifies internal fractures in internet usage, including a divide between urban and rural areas. In urban areas, 82% of people use the internet, compared to 63% in rural areas. The report also notes that men are slightly more likely to use the internet than women, with 79% of men and 74% of women using the internet. Young people aged 15-24 are the most connected, with 86% using the internet.
The report's findings have significant implications for countries in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), where mobile and digital financial services are driving progress in connectivity. The recent reform of the Central Bank of West African States' (BCEAO) mobile money regulations is an example of this trend. The ITU's data, which is available on its website, provides detailed information on internet usage by region and country.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin emphasized the importance of addressing the digital divide, noting that being offline in the age of artificial intelligence means being excluded from numerous opportunities, from education to employment. The report's findings highlight the need for increased investment in digital infrastructure, particularly in low-income countries, to ensure that the benefits of the digital economy are shared by all.
The ITU's report is a timely reminder of the ongoing challenges in expanding global connectivity. As the world becomes increasingly dependent on digital technologies, the need to address the digital divide and ensure that everyone has access to the internet and its benefits has never been more pressing. The report's findings will be of interest to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and civil society organizations working to promote digital development and reduce inequality.
Key points
- 6.3 billion people are projected to use the internet by 2026, but 2 billion people will remain offline.
- The digital divide between high-income and low-income countries remains significant, with 93% of people in high-income countries using the internet compared to 32% in low-income countries.
- The ITU report highlights the need for increased investment in digital infrastructure, particularly in low-income countries, to address the digital divide and promote digital development.
