Forecast: Total Internet Users in South Africa

The number of internet users in South Africa is forecasted to rise steadily from 2024 to 2028. In 2023, the baseline figure for internet users stood at X persons per thousand persons. By 2024, this figure is expected to grow to 75.3, showing a significant uptake in digital connectivity. Subsequent years will see a further increase: 77.7 in 2025, 80.05 in 2026, 82.36 in 2027, and 84.62 in 2028. The year-on-year variation shows an appreciable growth trend, with percentages roughly consistent in the mid-single digits. Over the last two forecasted years (2026 to 2028), this stable growth pattern underscores increasing digital adoption. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the last five years reinforces a robust and continuous expansion in internet usage.

Future trends to watch for include the potential impact of emerging technologies such as 5G on internet adoption rates, government policies promoting digital inclusion, and economic factors that could either hinder or boost internet accessibility among different demographic segments. Monitoring these factors will be crucial to understanding the future trajectory of internet usage in South Africa.