Global Mobile Phone Ownership and Digital Connectivity
The World Bank has highlighted that a significant majority of adults in low- and middle-income economies, including Nigeria, own personal mobile phones. According to the Global Findex 2025 report, mobile phone ownership is widespread across the globe. The report states that “86 per cent of adults worldwide, and 84 per cent of adults in low- and middle-income economies, own personal mobile phones.”
This data underscores how mobile phones and the internet have become essential tools for daily life in every economy around the world. In Nigeria, the mobile phone penetration rate was already high, with estimates ranging from 85 per cent to 87 per cent in 2024. This translates into over 200 million mobile connections, making Nigeria one of the leading markets for mobile phone ownership and usage in Africa.
There is also a growing trend towards smartphone adoption, with forecasts predicting over 140 million smartphone users by 2025. As of early 2025, DataReporter reported that 150 million cellular mobile connections were active in Nigeria, equivalent to 64.0 per cent of the total population. However, it’s important to note that some of these connections may only include basic services such as voice and SMS, without internet access.
At the start of 2025, there were 107 million individuals using the internet in Nigeria, with online penetration standing at 45.4 percent. Additionally, Nigeria was home to 38.7 million social media user identities in January 2025, representing 16.4 percent of the total population.
These figures provide a snapshot of the digital landscape in Nigeria at the beginning of 2025. To fully understand the evolution of digital trends and behaviors, a deeper analysis of the data is necessary.
According to the World Bank, “as of 2024, individual ownership of mobile phones reached 86 per cent of adults worldwide.” The report emphasizes that mobile devices are integral to daily activities, with people using them for calls, messaging, news, business information, social media, payments, gaming, and more.
As access to digitally connected technologies increases, both individuals and organizations place greater importance on online interactions. The benefits of such technologies are well-documented and include reduced poverty, increased consumption, and more employment opportunities for individuals in low- and middle-income economies.
Women, in particular, benefit from internet access, which provides access to flexible jobs and has been shown to increase female labor force participation. Mobile phones also facilitate information sharing, particularly in agricultural contexts where farmers can access real-time prices and buyer demand data. This helps them make informed decisions about where to sell their products, improving market efficiency and reducing travel distances.
Internet access also plays a role in job creation and helps individuals and countries export goods and services. Moreover, owning a mobile phone enables financial access through mobile money and other mobile financial services. These services, typically offered by mobile network operators or fintech firms, are associated with lower poverty rates, increased consumption and savings, and greater resilience to economic shocks.
Key Takeaways from the Report
- Global Mobile Ownership: 86% of adults globally own a mobile phone.
- Nigeria’s Penetration: Over 85% of adults in Nigeria own a mobile phone.
- Smartphone Growth: Forecasts predict over 140 million smartphone users in Nigeria by 2025.
- Internet Usage: 45.4% of Nigerians use the internet, with 16.4% being active social media users.
- Economic Impact: Mobile phones and internet access contribute to poverty reduction, increased consumption, and better employment opportunities.
- Gender Benefits: Internet access enhances women’s labor force participation and provides access to flexible jobs.
- Agricultural Efficiency: Farmers gain real-time market data, improving decision-making and productivity.
- Financial Inclusion: Mobile money services offer access to financial accounts, promoting savings and economic resilience.
These insights highlight the transformative impact of digital connectivity in developing economies and emphasize the need for continued investment in infrastructure and policies that support broader access and usage.