Reliable and affordable internet is the backbone of today’s digital societies, yet recent findings shine a stark light on the enormous differences in broadband pricing around the world. Nowhere is this divide clearer than in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has reportedly claimed the title of the world’s most expensive place for internet data, according to a new study by Visual Capitalist. At an average of $4.31 per Mbps, UAE consumers pay nearly twice as much as users in Ghana—the next most expensive country—where internet costs $2.58 per Mbps.
For context, the Visual Capitalist analysis, which relied on publicly available broadband pricing and speed data, also showed that high data costs are frequently driven by a combination of limited market competition, infrastructure hurdles, and regulatory complexities. While the UAE sits atop the global price table, several other countries—Switzerland, Kenya, Morocco, and Australia among them—also appear on the list of pricey broadband markets, often pricing above $1 per Mbps. Switzerland reportedly charges $2.07 per Mbps, while Kenya comes in at $1.54 and Morocco at $1.16. These nations, while diverse in geography and economy, nonetheless face overlapping challenges in creating competitive and accessible internet environments.
Comparing further, countries such as Germany ($1.04), Nigeria ($0.72), Canada ($0.66), and Pakistan ($0.53) are also notable, each reflecting unique regional factors influencing their pricing models. For Nigerian consumers—individuals, businesses, and public sector users—these numbers matter. Broadband access is no longer a luxury, but a foundational need for remote work, e-commerce, digital education, healthcare services, and a modernizing economy. Yet, Nigeria’s average price of $0.72 per Mbps, as reported, still represents a significant monthly outlay for many families and entrepreneurs—especially considering the country’s minimum wage and median incomes.
A scan of the broader global picture, however, highlights even sharper contrasts. According to the Visual Capitalist report, countries including South Africa ($0.50), Indonesia ($0.41), Hong Kong ($0.39), the United Kingdom ($0.36), Bangladesh ($0.36), and Taiwan ($0.28) all make the top 20 ranking for high prices. Meanwhile, at the other extreme, select Eastern European nations boast the most affordable internet costs worldwide: Romania ($0.01), Russia ($0.02), and Poland ($0.03) are at the forefront of this trend.
What explains these remarkably low costs? The report attributes Eastern Europe’s consistent lead on broadband affordability to robust telecom competition and focused government investment in modern digital infrastructure. In Asia, countries like Vietnam, China, and South Korea are likewise recognized for delivering fast and affordable internet—some charging as little as $0.05 per Mbps. These examples are particularly instructive for West African policymakers intent on bridging the digital gap and unlocking greater economic opportunity.
On the other hand, the data places the United States among the more affordable broadband markets, with an average price of $0.08 per Mbps. Major economies such as France and Japan have also managed to fall below the global average of approximately $0.42 per Mbps, suggesting that larger markets can achieve greater economies of scale with the right mix of policy support and industry competition.
For Nigerians and Ghanaians, these differences are not just abstract statistics—they have concrete and immediate effects on daily life and future potential. Fast, cost-effective internet is critical for small businesses hoping to reach new markets, for students participating in online classes, and for creators and influencers who earn a living through digital channels.
According to Dr. Nkiru Nwafor, a Lagos-based ICT analyst, “The high cost of accessing reliable broadband in Nigeria has become a major barrier for our startups and SMEs. It limits innovation, frustrates remote work, and creates an uneven playing field where only the largest organizations can afford consistent, high-speed access.” Dr. Nwafor’s comments reflect a widely held sentiment among local entrepreneurs who see the digital divide as an urgent economic issue rather than merely a technical one.
Compounding the problem, recent reports from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Bank have sounded the alarm on the vulnerabilities facing Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. In a joint report under the Digital Trade for Africa Project, released earlier this year, the WTO Secretariat and the World Bank assessed Nigeria alongside Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda. They warned that “weak infrastructure and persistent regulatory gaps” could continue to hamper Nigeria’s ability to realize the full value of its billion-dollar digital economy. The report calls attention to the urgent need for far-reaching regulatory reforms, targeted infrastructure investments, and improved coordination among stakeholders.
Interestingly, some West African countries like Ghana find themselves grappling with even higher broadband costs than Nigeria. “There’s no question that we pay some of the highest prices in the world for internet, yet quality and reliability are still inconsistent,” says Enyonam Kofi, a digital entrepreneur based in Accra. “Government must do more to introduce competition and oversee service standards,” he added. Ghana’s situation highlights the importance of both regulatory oversight and market openness in pushing prices down and lifting service delivery standards.
As consumers clamor for cheaper, faster internet, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has spoken publicly about ongoing efforts to reduce the cost of broadband and expand last-mile connectivity. In a press statement, NCC representative Mr. Adewale Adedeji explained, “We are investing in shared infrastructure, facilitating more spectrum auctions, and providing incentives for rural broadband rollout. But collaboration with private sector partners and effective regulatory enforcement will be key going forward.”
Despite incremental progress, challenges linger. Industry critics point to issues like fiber-optic vandalism, multiple taxation of network operators, and high costs of right-of-way permissions as major constraints on expansion. Additionally, while some urban areas now enjoy 4G (and even 5G) speeds, many secondary cities and rural communities remain underserved or rely on expensive mobile data packages.
On a broader scale, increasing internet penetration across West Africa could unleash dramatic growth in e-commerce, digital payments, telemedicine, remote education, and job creation. These economic gains are not lost on regional blocs like ECOWAS, which have begun charting collaborative strategies on harmonizing digital policies and licensing standards.
Looking globally, it’s clear that making broadband more affordable and accessible is not an impossible task. Lessons from Eastern European and Asian countries highlight the need for strong competition, transparent regulation, public-private partnerships, and smart infrastructure funding. If Nigeria and its neighbours can adopt and adapt such models to local contexts, the possible benefits for households, businesses, and entire economies are enormous.
With data prices affecting everything from TikTok trends to global business deals, the stakes for digital inclusion have never been higher. Will Nigeria and its West African peers rise to the challenge and create a level playing field for their digital citizens? What are your experiences with broadband pricing and quality in your area?
What do you think about the cost of internet in Nigeria and West Africa? Have you faced challenges with expensive data or slow speeds? Drop a comment below and let’s discuss how we can bridge the digital divide together.
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