Unlocking Connectivity: A Comprehensive Analysis of Internet Access in Sudan

• Market Overview
• Emerging Technology Trends
• Competitive Landscape Analysis
• Growth Forecasts and Projections
• Regional Disparities and Insights
• Future Outlook for Internet Access
• Key Challenges and Emerging Opportunities
• Sources & References

“Sudan’s internet infrastructure relies on a national fiber-optic backbone and international gateways centered at Port Sudan.” (source)

Market Overview

Sudan’s internet access landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, shaped by political instability, economic challenges, and evolving telecommunications infrastructure. As of early 2024, internet penetration in Sudan stands at approximately 34% of the population, equating to around 16 million users out of a total population of nearly 48 million (DataReportal). This figure reflects both the country’s rapid digital adoption and the persistent barriers to universal connectivity.

The Sudanese telecommunications sector is dominated by a handful of major operators, including Zain Sudan, MTN Sudan, and Sudatel. These companies provide a mix of mobile and fixed broadband services, with mobile internet accounting for the vast majority of connections. In 2023, mobile broadband subscriptions reached over 13 million, while fixed broadband remained limited due to infrastructure constraints and high deployment costs (BuddeComm).

Urban areas, particularly Khartoum, enjoy relatively high-speed internet and broader coverage, while rural and conflict-affected regions lag behind. The digital divide is exacerbated by frequent power outages, limited investment in rural infrastructure, and the ongoing civil conflict that has disrupted network operations and damaged critical infrastructure (Human Rights Watch).

Internet access in Sudan is also subject to government intervention. Authorities have repeatedly imposed nationwide internet shutdowns during periods of political unrest, most recently in 2023, severely impacting communication, business operations, and access to information (Access Now). These shutdowns have drawn international criticism and highlighted the fragility of digital rights in the country.

• Penetration Rate: 34% (2024)
• Primary Access: Mobile broadband
• Key Providers: Zain Sudan, MTN Sudan, Sudatel
• Urban-Rural Divide: Significant, with rural areas underserved
• Regulatory Environment: Prone to government-imposed shutdowns

Despite these challenges, demand for internet services continues to grow, driven by a young population, increased smartphone adoption, and the expansion of digital services. However, achieving widespread, reliable, and affordable internet access remains a significant hurdle for Sudan’s development in the near term.

Emerging Technology Trends

Sudan’s internet access landscape is undergoing significant transformation, shaped by both technological advancements and ongoing socio-political challenges. As of early 2024, internet penetration in Sudan stands at approximately 34% of the population, according to DataReportal. This figure represents a modest increase from previous years, but it remains below the African continental average of 43%.

Mobile connectivity is the primary driver of internet access in Sudan. The country’s mobile internet subscriptions reached 15.5 million in 2023, with 3G and 4G networks covering most urban centers (GSMA). However, rural and conflict-affected regions continue to face significant connectivity gaps due to infrastructure limitations and security concerns.

Recent years have seen a surge in the adoption of digital services, particularly mobile money and e-commerce platforms. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation, with more Sudanese relying on online platforms for education, business, and communication. Notably, the government has initiated partnerships with international organizations to expand digital literacy and infrastructure, such as the World Bank’s Digital Transformation Project.

Despite these advancements, Sudan’s internet ecosystem faces persistent challenges:

• Frequent Internet Shutdowns: Political instability has led to repeated government-imposed internet blackouts, disrupting access for millions and impacting economic activity (Access Now).
• High Costs and Limited Competition: Internet services remain expensive relative to average incomes, and the market is dominated by a few providers, limiting affordability and innovation (CIPESA).
• Infrastructure Damage: Ongoing conflict has damaged critical telecom infrastructure, particularly in Khartoum and Darfur, further hindering connectivity.

Looking ahead, the expansion of satellite internet services and the rollout of 5G technology present opportunities to bridge the digital divide. International actors and local stakeholders are advocating for resilient, inclusive internet access as a cornerstone for Sudan’s economic recovery and social development.

Competitive Landscape Analysis

The competitive landscape for internet access in Sudan is shaped by a limited number of key players, regulatory challenges, and ongoing political instability. The market is primarily dominated by three major operators: Sudatel, Zain Sudan, and MTN Sudan. These companies provide the bulk of fixed-line and mobile internet services across the country.

• Sudatel: As the state-backed incumbent, Sudatel controls much of the fixed-line infrastructure and offers broadband and mobile services. The company has invested in expanding fiber-optic networks, but coverage remains concentrated in urban centers (Sudatel).
• Zain Sudan: A subsidiary of the Kuwait-based Zain Group, Zain Sudan is the largest mobile operator by subscriber base. It provides 3G and 4G services, with a focus on mobile internet, and has been a key driver of internet penetration in the country (Zain Sudan).
• MTN Sudan: Part of the South African MTN Group, MTN Sudan is another major player in the mobile internet segment. The company has invested in expanding its 4G network, though service disruptions have occurred due to the ongoing conflict (MTN Sudan).

According to the Digital 2024: Sudan report, internet penetration stood at 34.5% in early 2024, with approximately 16.5 million users. Mobile connections accounted for the vast majority of access, as fixed broadband remains limited outside major cities. The competitive environment is further complicated by frequent internet shutdowns and government-imposed restrictions, particularly during periods of civil unrest (Access Now).

Despite these challenges, there is growing demand for reliable and affordable internet, especially among the youth and urban populations. However, the ongoing conflict since April 2023 has severely disrupted infrastructure, leading to prolonged outages and limiting the ability of operators to expand or maintain services (Reuters). As a result, the competitive landscape remains constrained, with little room for new entrants or significant innovation in the short term.

Growth Forecasts and Projections

The outlook for internet access in Sudan is shaped by a combination of demographic trends, infrastructure investments, and ongoing political and economic challenges. As of early 2024, Sudan’s internet penetration rate stands at approximately 34% of the population, according to DataReportal. This figure represents a modest increase from previous years, but it remains significantly below the global average of 66%.

Growth projections for internet access in Sudan are cautiously optimistic. The United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union (ITU) forecasts that, barring major disruptions, Sudan’s internet penetration could reach 45% by 2027. This growth is expected to be driven primarily by the expansion of mobile broadband, which already accounts for over 90% of internet connections in the country. The proliferation of affordable smartphones and the gradual rollout of 4G networks by operators such as MTN Sudan and Sudatel are key enablers of this trend (GSMA).

However, the pace of growth is highly contingent on the country’s political stability and economic recovery. The ongoing conflict and periodic internet shutdowns have repeatedly disrupted connectivity and undermined investor confidence. For example, in 2023, Sudan experienced several nationwide internet blackouts, which not only hampered digital adoption but also affected the reliability of growth forecasts (Access Now).

Despite these challenges, international organizations and development agencies are investing in digital infrastructure and digital literacy programs. The World Bank’s Digital Sudan project aims to improve connectivity in underserved regions and foster a more inclusive digital economy (World Bank). If such initiatives are sustained and the security situation stabilizes, Sudan could see accelerated growth in internet access, potentially surpassing current projections.

• Current internet penetration: ~34% (2024)
• Projected penetration by 2027: 45% (ITU)
• Mobile broadband is the dominant access method
• Growth depends on political stability and infrastructure investment

Regional Disparities and Insights

Internet access in Sudan is characterized by significant regional disparities, reflecting broader socio-economic and infrastructural divides across the country. As of 2023, Sudan’s overall internet penetration rate stood at approximately 34%, with about 16.7 million users out of a population exceeding 49 million (DataReportal). However, this national average masks stark differences between urban centers and rural or conflict-affected regions.

• Urban vs. Rural Divide: Major cities such as Khartoum, Omdurman, and Port Sudan enjoy relatively high internet coverage, with penetration rates estimated above 60%. In contrast, rural areas—particularly in Darfur, Kordofan, and the eastern states—often have rates below 15%, largely due to limited infrastructure and ongoing instability (Brookings Institution).
• Infrastructure and Service Providers: The majority of internet access is delivered via mobile networks, with 3G and 4G services concentrated in urban areas. Fixed broadband remains scarce, with less than 1% of households connected nationwide. The main providers—Sudatel, MTN Sudan, and Zain—focus investments in profitable urban markets, further widening the digital gap (Open Institute Africa).
• Impact of Conflict and Political Instability: Ongoing conflict, especially since the outbreak of civil war in April 2023, has led to frequent internet shutdowns and targeted blackouts, particularly in regions experiencing active fighting. These disruptions disproportionately affect peripheral regions, impeding access to information, humanitarian aid, and digital services (Access Now).
• Socio-Economic Factors: Affordability remains a major barrier. The cost of mobile data in Sudan is among the highest in Africa relative to average income, making regular internet use unattainable for many, especially outside major cities (Alliance for Affordable Internet).

In summary, while internet access in Sudan is growing, regional disparities remain pronounced. Addressing these gaps will require targeted infrastructure investment, policy reforms, and efforts to ensure digital inclusion for marginalized communities.

Future Outlook for Internet Access

The future outlook for internet access in Sudan is shaped by a complex interplay of political, economic, and technological factors. As of early 2024, Sudan faces significant challenges in expanding and stabilizing internet connectivity, largely due to ongoing political instability and conflict. The country has experienced repeated internet shutdowns, most notably during the 2023 conflict between rival military factions, which severely disrupted communications and access to information (Human Rights Watch).

Despite these setbacks, there are signs of potential progress. Sudan’s internet penetration rate stood at approximately 34% in early 2023, with around 16 million users out of a population of 46 million (DataReportal). Mobile internet remains the dominant mode of access, as fixed broadband infrastructure is limited, especially outside major urban centers. The expansion of 4G networks by providers such as Zain Sudan and MTN Sudan has improved coverage in some regions, but service reliability remains inconsistent (Zain Sudan).

Looking ahead, the future of internet access in Sudan will depend on several key factors:

• Political Stability: Restoration of stable governance is critical for the development of digital infrastructure and the prevention of arbitrary internet shutdowns.
• Investment in Infrastructure: International organizations and private sector partners have expressed interest in supporting Sudan’s digital transformation, but sustained investment is needed to expand both mobile and fixed broadband networks (World Bank).
• Regulatory Reforms: Liberalization of the telecommunications sector and the introduction of pro-competition policies could attract new entrants and drive innovation.
• Affordability and Digital Literacy: High costs and low digital literacy rates remain barriers to widespread adoption, particularly in rural areas. Targeted programs to reduce costs and improve skills will be essential.

In summary, while Sudan’s internet access faces significant hurdles, there is cautious optimism that, with improved stability and targeted investment, the country could see substantial progress in digital connectivity over the next decade. The trajectory will largely depend on the resolution of current conflicts and the implementation of forward-looking policies that prioritize digital inclusion.

Key Challenges and Emerging Opportunities

Sudan’s internet landscape is marked by significant challenges, but also by emerging opportunities that could reshape digital connectivity in the country. As of early 2024, only about 34% of Sudan’s population had access to the internet, a figure that lags behind the African average of 43% (DataReportal). The ongoing conflict since April 2023 has further exacerbated connectivity issues, with frequent nationwide blackouts and targeted shutdowns, particularly in conflict zones such as Khartoum and Darfur (Access Now).

• Infrastructure Damage: The civil war has severely damaged telecommunications infrastructure. Major providers like Sudatel and MTN have reported destruction of cell towers and fiber-optic lines, leading to unreliable or nonexistent service in many regions (Reuters).
• Government Restrictions: Authorities have repeatedly imposed internet shutdowns as a tool for information control, disrupting not only social communication but also critical services such as banking and humanitarian aid delivery (Human Rights Watch).
• Affordability and Digital Literacy: High costs of data and devices, coupled with low digital literacy rates, continue to limit widespread adoption, especially in rural and marginalized communities (GSMA).

Despite these obstacles, several opportunities are emerging:

• International Aid and Investment: Organizations such as the World Bank and UNDP are investing in digital infrastructure and skills training, aiming to bridge the digital divide and support economic recovery (World Bank).
• Mobile Internet Expansion: Mobile penetration remains relatively high, with over 70% of the population owning a mobile phone. This provides a foundation for expanding mobile internet services, especially as 4G coverage increases in urban centers (Statista).
• Tech Entrepreneurship: A growing number of Sudanese startups are leveraging digital platforms to deliver services in education, health, and commerce, demonstrating resilience and innovation despite the challenging environment (Brookings).

In summary, while Sudan faces acute challenges in internet access due to conflict, infrastructure deficits, and policy barriers, targeted investments and the resilience of local innovators present pathways for digital growth and inclusion.

Sources & References

• Internet Access in Sudan
• Human Rights Watch
• Access Now
• World Bank
• CIPESA
• Sudatel
• Zain Sudan
• MTN Sudan
• ITU
• World Bank
• Brookings
• Open Institute Africa
• Alliance for Affordable Internet
• Statista