Internet Adoption Statistics in Botswana (2026)
According to World Bank World Development Indicators data, 57.5% of the population in Botswana used the internet in 2024. Down from 57.9% in 2022 to 57.5% in 2024 (−0.4 percentage points). Botswana ranks #12 of 46 economies in Sub-Saharan Africa on this measure, and #142 of 188 globally.
Key Statistics
- Latest value (2024)
- 57.5% (2024)
- Internet Adoption in Botswana as of 2024, the most recent observation in World Bank World Development Indicators data.
- Change since 2022
- −0.4 pp (2024)
- Down from 57.9% in 2022 to 57.5% in 2024 (−0.4 percentage points).
- Earliest value in this dataset (1990)
- 0% (1990)
- Earliest observation in this dataset, which covers 1990 onward (the source series may begin earlier). Up from 0% in 1990 to 57.5% in 2024.
- Peak value (2022)
- 57.9% (2022)
- Highest value in the available series; the 2024 value is 57.5%.
- Rank in Sub-Saharan Africa
- #12 of 46 (2024)
- Botswana ranks 12 of 46 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa with data, based on each country's latest value.
- Global rank
- #142 of 188 (2024)
- Botswana ranks 142 of 188 countries with data globally.
- Sub-Saharan Africa average
- 39.9% (2024)
- Botswana (57.5%) is above the average of 39.9% across the 46 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa with data.
- Among women (2024)
- 58% (2024)
- Value for women in Botswana, same 2024 World Bank World Development Indicators data.
- Among men (2024)
- 56.9% (2024)
- Value for men in Botswana, same 2024 World Bank World Development Indicators data.
- Gender gap (women minus men)
- +1.1 pp (2024)
- In 2024, the figure was 58% for women and 56.9% for men — 1.1 percentage points higher among women.
- Projected 2026 value
- 62.5% (2026)
- Projection based on 8-year trend (CAGR 4.3%); not an official figure.
- Internet use in Botswana (2024)
- 57.5% (2024)
- 57.5% of the population in Botswana used the internet in 2024 (World Bank); shown for context only.
- Population (2024)
- 2.5 million (2024)
- Botswana had a population of 2.5 million in 2024 (World Bank); shown for scale only.
Trend, 1990–2024
| Year | % of population | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 57.5% | −0.4 pp |
| 2022 | 57.9% | +3.2 pp |
| 2021 | 54.7% | +3.0 pp |
| 2020 | 51.7% | +2.9 pp |
| 2019 | 48.8% | +2.7 pp |
| 2018 | 46.1% | +2.5 pp |
| 2017 | 43.6% | +2.4 pp |
| 2016 | 41.2% | +2.3 pp |
| 2015 | 38.9% | +2.1 pp |
| 2014 | 36.7% | +6.7 pp |
| 2013 | 30% | +14.0 pp |
| 2012 | 16% | +7.0 pp |
| 2011 | 9% | +3.0 pp |
| 2010 | 6% | −0.2 pp |
| 2009 | 6.2% | −0.1 pp |
| 2008 | 6.3% | +1.0 pp |
| 2007 | 5.3% | +1.0 pp |
| 2006 | 4.3% | +1.0 pp |
| 2005 | 3.3% | −0.0 pp |
| 2004 | 3.3% | −0.0 pp |
| 2003 | 3.3% | −0.0 pp |
| 2002 | 3.4% | −0.0 pp |
| 2001 | 3.4% | +0.5 pp |
| 2000 | 2.9% | +1.8 pp |
| 1999 | 1.1% | +0.5 pp |
| 1998 | 0.6% | +0.3 pp |
| 1997 | 0.3% | +0.2 pp |
| 1996 | 0.2% | +0.1 pp |
| 1995 | 0.1% | +0.1 pp |
| 1991 | 0% | +0.0 pp |
| 1990 | 0% | — |
Frequently asked questions
What share of people in Botswana used the internet?
57.5% of the population in Botswana used the internet in 2024, according to World Bank World Development Indicators data.
How does Botswana compare with other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Botswana ranks 12 of 46 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa with data, with 57.5% versus a regional average of 39.9% (latest values per country).
Where does Botswana rank globally on internet adoption?
Botswana ranks 142 of 188 countries with data globally, based on the latest World Bank World Development Indicators value for each country.
Is there a gender gap in internet adoption in Botswana?
Yes — in 2024 the figure was 58% for women and 56.9% for men, a gap of 1.1 percentage points in favor of women.
Source & methodology
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators, indicator
IT.NET.USER.ZS, retrieved .
Figures are shown exactly as published in the source dataset; only the change column of the trend table is computed from adjacent published values.Read more on the methodology page. All figures are estimates and projections; this is not financial advice.
Last updated .