Africa has lost about $237 million dollars due to internet disruptions since 2015, a report by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) disclosed.
The report, released on Friday at the Forum On Internet Freedom in Africa 2017 in Johannesburg, said there was a total of 236 days of internet shutdown in sub-Saharan Africa since 2015.
“Internet disruptions, however short-lived, undermine economic growth, disrupt the delivery of critical services, erode business confidence, and raise a country’s risk profile. African governments should desist from ordering shutdowns,” it said.
About 12 African countries have disrupted internet connection before and after elections including Uganda, Congo, Chad, Gabon, Niger, and Gambia where internet connection was blocked during their elections last year.
By analyzing targeted disruptions in 10 countries in sub-Saharan
“Far from fostering stability… during protests, elections, or exam periods, they in fact undermine economic activity and prevent normal order,” the report said.