South Sudan Among African States Bearing High Economic Cost of Internet Shutdowns

(JUBA) – Africa recorded some of its most expensive and disruptive internet shutdowns in 2025, with South Sudan listed among the ten most affected countries, according to the latest data compiled by Top10VPN and published by Business Insider Africa. The report highlights the growing economic impact of deliberate internet disruptions on governments, businesses, and households across the continent.

Across Sub Saharan Africa, internet shutdowns caused an estimated economic loss of 1.11 billion United States dollars in 2025. Using prevailing exchange rates, this figure reflects the scale of lost productivity, disrupted trade, and reduced digital services across the region. The losses were recorded over 19,638 hours of intentional disruptions, affecting an estimated 116.1 million users.

Although the overall financial cost declined by 29 per cent compared to 2024, the total number of shutdown hours increased by 23 per cent, exceeding 19,600 hours. Sub Saharan Africa recorded the highest number of countries imposing internet restrictions globally, with nine countries affected, slightly ahead of Asia.

Globally, the economic impact of internet shutdowns rose sharply. Total losses reached 19.7 billion United States dollars in 2025, representing a 156 per cent increase from the previous year. Disruption hours increased by 55 per cent, while full internet blackouts and social media restrictions also rose significantly, reflecting stricter and more frequent controls.

Tanzania recorded the highest losses in Africa, with shutdowns costing an estimated 889.8 million United States dollars after 5,448 hours of restrictions that affected about 20.6 million users. The disruptions were linked to protests and politically sensitive periods, during which mobile data access was restricted to limit mobilisation.

The Democratic Republic of Congo followed with losses estimated at 67.2 million United States dollars after a seventy two hour shutdown in early 2025. The restrictions affected nearly 35 million users, particularly in eastern cities such as Goma, amid intensified fighting involving armed groups.

Sudan recorded losses of about 66.6 million United States dollars after 2,148 hours of shutdowns that affected 14.9 million users. Connectivity cuts were repeatedly imposed during periods of heavy fighting in Khartoum and Darfur as part of efforts to control the flow of information.

Cameroon incurred losses estimated at 40.5 million United States dollars following temporary shutdowns during protests linked to a disputed presidential election. Although the disruption lasted 124 hours, it affected approximately 12.6 million users nationwide.

Togo lost an estimated 23.2 million United States dollars after 720 hours of intermittent restrictions imposed during protests over constitutional reforms, affecting around 3.5 million users.

Guinea Bissau recorded losses of about 10.1 million United States dollars following an eighty six hour shutdown during a political crisis linked to post election disputes and security concerns.

South Sudan ranked seventh on the list, with estimated losses of 8.8 million United States dollars, equivalent to about 62.5 billion South Sudanese Pounds at the prevailing market rate of 7,100 SSP to one United States dollar. The shutdowns lasted more than 2,160 hours and affected around 1.6 million users. Authorities cited concerns over ethnic violence and online mobilisation, leading to restrictions on social media and reduced internet speeds.

Kenya recorded losses of about 3.4 million United States dollars after a twenty four hour disruption linked to nationwide protests over tax increases, affecting more than 23 million users.

Guinea lost an estimated 2.0 million United States dollars following a ninety six hour shutdown during protests against military rule and delayed elections, while Libya recorded losses of about 1.3 million United States dollars after an eleven hour shutdown linked to clashes between rival armed groups in Tripoli.

The data in an indicator of the growing economic risks associated with internet shutdowns in Africa, including South Sudan, where digital connectivity is increasingly important for trade, financial services, media, and communication. The report suggests that the cost of internet disruptions is likely to remain a significant concern for policymakers and the private sector as economies across the continent continue to rely more heavily on digital platforms.

Top 10 African Countries by Cost of Internet Shutdowns in 2025