Sub‑Saharan Africa Loses 1.11 Billion from Internet Shutdowns in 2025

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Sub‑Saharan Africa experienced widespread economic losses in 2025 due to a series of internet shutdowns linked to political tensions, civil conflict, and social unrest. According to data compiled by Top10VPN, the region lost an estimated 1.11 billion in economic activity as governments and authorities restricted connectivity during key moments throughout the year.


Tanzania tops the list, incurring the largest single‑country cost of approximately 889.8 million. This figure reflects prolonged connectivity restrictions tied to political controls and regulatory measures. Analysts note that while internet blackouts are sometimes justified by authorities as necessary for security or “stability,” they often disrupt business operations, e‑commerce, banking, and access to essential information, inflicting lasting economic harm.


Other countries in the region also saw significant losses due to internet disruptions amid violence and conflict. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, ongoing civil war and clashes with rebel groups contributed to approximately 67.2 million in losses, while Sudan, grappling with internal armed conflict, recorded about 66.6 million in shutdown‑related damage. Connectivity blackouts in these contexts hampered communication for both civilians and commercial enterprises.


Political tensions surrounding electoral disputes and constitutional protests prompted costly shutdowns elsewhere.  Cameroon faced estimated losses of 40.5 million, with Togo and Guinea‑Bissal losing 23.2 million and 10.1 million, respectively. In each case, shutdowns were used by authorities attempting to suppress dissent or control information flows during politically sensitive periods.


Smaller but still notable impacts were documented in South Sudan (8.8 million) and Kenya (3.4 million), where access was restricted amid ethnic violence and tax protest eruptions. Guinea (2.0 million) and Libya (1.3 million) rounded out the top ten, with connectivity cuts linked to military rule challenges and clashes involving armed groups. The cumulative toll underscores how internet access now essential to economic participation has become deeply vulnerable to political instability across the region

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