Industry analysts and researchers have emphasised the role of internet connectivity in helping to shape economies and drive communication strategies in Africa in 2015. Issues like broadband penetration, shared economies, smart citizens, the digital purse and data access continue to represent priorities for decision makers across the continent.

Countries like Nigeria have been active in highlighting a national plan to help to achieve high speed connectivity, whilst businesses continue to invest in the rollout of advanced network infrastructure in key regions like Kenya.

Undersea cable infrastructure investment has resulted in increased bandwidth delivery to the continent and there is momentum around wireless connectivity. LTE and metro wireless can help to ensure that broadband is delivered quickly and easily.

ITWeb Africa has identified the status of several African nations, which, according to statistics sourced from Internet World Stats and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), are leading in terms of internet usage.

The list below reflects countries ranked in order of the total number of internet users as of 30 June 2014, along with the relative percentage penetration and a 2013 figure:-

Nigeria: 70, 300,000 representing 39.7% penetration. By 2013 the percentage of people using the internet was 38.00%.

Egypt: 46, 200, 000 representing 53.2% penetration. By 2013 the percentage of people using the internet was 49.56%.

South Africa: 24, 909, 854 representing 51.5% penetration. By 2013 the percentage of people using the internet was 48.90%.

Kenya: 21, 273, 738 representing 47.3% penetration. By 2013 the percentage of people using the internet was 39.00%.

Morocco: 20, 207, 154 representing 61.3% penetration. By 2013 the percentage of people using the internet was 56.00%.

Madagascar: 17, 321, 756 representing 74.7% penetration. By 2013 the percentage of people using the internet was 2.20%.

Malawi: 12,150, 362 representing 70.5% penetration. By 2013 the percentage of people using the internet was 5.40%

Mali: 11, 862, 559 representing 72.1% penetration. By 2013 the percentage of people using the internet was 2.30%.

Sudan: 9, 307, 189 representing 26.2% penetration. By 2013 the percentage of people using the internet was 22.70%.

Tanzania: 7,590, 794 representing 15.3% penetration. By 2013 the percentage of people using the internet was 4.40%.