Blocked and Disconnected: The Ongoing Battle for Internet Freedom in Ethiopia:
Digital Deserts and Blackouts: Unpacking Ethiopia’s Internet Access Crisis
By Ayele Addis Ambelu
Ethiopia’s ambitious digital transformation faces significant hurdles, revealing a landscape marked by rapid growth and persistent obstacles. Despite efforts to boost connectivity, millions remain disconnected due to infrastructural gaps, regulatory challenges, and recurrent internet shutdowns.
Launched in 2020, Ethiopia’s Digital Transformation Strategy will leverage technology for economic growth and improved citizen engagement. Internet usage has surged to over 36 million users in 2023, representing only 35% of the population (World Economic Forum). The digital divide is stark, particularly between urban and rural areas with less developed infrastructure.
In the rapidly evolving digital age, internet access has become a cornerstone for economic development, social engagement, and educational advancement. However, in Ethiopia, the path to achieving equitable internet access is fraught with significant challenges, as detailed in a comprehensive report by the Center for the Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD). This analysis delves into the multifaceted issues hindering internet accessibility in Ethiopia and the broader implications for the nation’s development.
Figure 1: Internet penetration rates across different regions in Ethiopia.
The Current Landscape of Internet Access in Ethiopia
Ethiopia has a troubling history of internet shutdowns, often implemented during conflict and political unrest. In the Amhara region, internet services were shut down in August 2023 amidst clashes between local militias and federal forces (Access Now). Such shutdowns disrupt daily life and impede access to essential services and information, exacerbating humanitarian crises.
Ethiopia’s internet penetration remains staggeringly low, with only about 17% of the population accessing the internet. This is primarily driven by mobile broadband services, highlighting a significant reliance on cellular networks over fixed broadband infrastructure. Despite efforts to introduce 5G networks and enhance fixed broadband, widespread internet access remains elusive, particularly for rural and economically disadvantaged populations.
Urban vs. Rural: A Tale of Two Realities
The digital divide in Ethiopia is starkly evident when comparing urban centers like Addis Ababa to rural areas such as Arba Minch. Urban residents benefit from relatively better infrastructure and more consistent internet service. However, even within metropolitan areas, disparities persist based on income and education levels. High-income individuals with advanced education tend to have better access and more extensive internet use than their lower-income counterparts.
In rural areas, the situation is more dire. Limited infrastructure, high costs, and low digital literacy rates create significant barriers to internet access. Due to cost considerations, the preference for 3G networks in these regions underscores the infrastructural and economic challenges rural communities face. Consequently, these areas experience lower satisfaction with network consistency and quality, further exacerbating the digital divide.
Gender and Income Inequality in Internet Access
The frequent internet shutdowns have drawn international condemnation for violating human rights. According to the #KeepItOn coalition, internet shutdowns during conflicts endanger lives and obstruct access to critical information (Access Now). The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission has documented numerous human rights abuses occurring under the cover of these shutdowns, including arbitrary arrests and violence (Access Now).
Gender norms and income disparities significantly impact internet access in Ethiopia. Women, particularly those in rural areas, face additional barriers that limit their digital engagement. These barriers include cultural norms prioritizing male access to technology, lower income levels, and limited educational opportunities. This gender-based digital divide restricts women’s ability to participate in the digital economy, access educational resources, and engage in social and political discourse.
Access Now reiterates this sentiment, stating: “Shutting down the internet in times of conflict and crises is an affront to fundamental human rights as they roadblock people’s ability to access critical information, further endangering lives” (Access Now).
Digital Literacy: A Critical Component
Digital literacy is essential for effective internet use and meaningful participation in the digital age. The CARD report highlights a significant gap in digital skills among different demographic groups in Ethiopia. While basic digital skills are relatively common, advanced digital tasks remain challenging for many. This gap in digital literacy further limits the potential benefits of internet access, particularly in rural and lower-income communities.
Witney Schneidman of the Brookings Institution emphasizes the critical role of internet access in safeguarding human rights: “Internet shutdowns make it extremely difficult for journalists and human rights defenders to closely monitor crises, enabling those in power to evade accountability” (Brookings)Urban Perspective: “Even in Addis Ababa, there are areas where the internet is unreliable. It’s not just about having access but having consistent, high-quality access,” said Mehari Tesfaye, a university student. Rural Challenges: “In my village, we have to walk several kilometers to get a decent internet connection. This makes it very hard for students to study and for businesses to operate,” shared Abeba Alemu, a farmer from Arba Minch.
Gender Inequities: “Women in rural areas face many challenges. It’s not just about the cost; it’s also about societal norms that discourage women from using the internet,” noted Saba Mulugeta, an advocate for women’s rights.
Strategic Recommendations for Bridging the Digital Divide
Addressing Ethiopia’s internet access challenges requires a multifaceted and inclusive approach. The CARD report provides several strategic recommendations:
- Diversify Connectivity Options: Expanding connectivity options, including fixed broadband and public Wi-Fi access points, can help bridge the infrastructure gap.
- Enhance Infrastructure Resilience: Investing in robust and resilient network infrastructure ensures consistent and reliable internet access, especially in underserved areas.
- Promote Affordability: Implementing policies to reduce the cost of internet services and devices can make internet access more affordable for lower-income groups.
- Expand Digital Literacy Programs: Comprehensive digital literacy initiatives can empower individuals to utilize the internet effectively and participate in the digital economy.
- Encourage Gender Equity: Promoting gender equity in internet access and digital skills development can help bridge the gender-based digital divide.
- Foster E-commerce Growth: Supporting the growth of e-commerce can provide economic opportunities and drive digital engagement across different demographic groups.
Ethiopia’s journey towards equitable internet access is challenging but not impossible. Ethiopia can create a more inclusive digital landscape by addressing the multifaceted barriers to internet access, including infrastructure limitations, economic disparities, and digital literacy gaps. Such efforts are vital for empowering its citizens, fostering economic development, and ensuring that the benefits of the digital age are accessible to all.
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- To overcome these challenges, Ethiopia must prioritize investments in infrastructure and ensure regulatory frameworks that support free and open Internet access. Collaboration with international partners and the private sector is essential to develop platforms tailored to local needs, particularly in rural areas.
