For millions across Africa, stable, fast internet has always felt just out of reach—patchy coverage, sluggish speeds, and high prices are all-too-familiar experiences. So when Elon Musk’s Starlink began rolling out across the continent, promising high-speed, uncapped satellite internet almost anywhere, it sparked hope and hype in equal measure. But behind the headlines and social media buzz, what’s the real price of internet in Africa in 2025? And is Starlink truly worth it for ordinary Africans?

The Internet Reality Check

Before Starlink, internet access in Africa was dominated by three main options:

1. Mobile Data: Ubiquitous, but often expensive and unreliable outside major cities.
2. Fibre Optic Broadband: Fast, but limited to urban centers and wealthier neighborhoods.
3. Traditional Satellite: Historically slow, with high latency and even higher costs.

According to the Alliance for Affordable Internet, the average African household spends up to 10% of its monthly income on just 1GB of data—a figure that’s among the highest in the world. Rural and semi-urban dwellers are often forced to pay even more for slower connections, or go without altogether.

Starlink’s Promise (and Price Tag)

Starlink entered Africa in 2023, expanding rapidly from South Africa to Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and beyond. The pitch was simple:

• High-speed internet (50–150 Mbps)
• Low latency (great for video calls and gaming)
• Works almost anywhere with a clear sky

But what does it actually cost?

Starlink Costs in Africa (2025 Estimates)

• Hardware Kit: $350–$500 (one-time, includes the satellite dish and modem)
• Monthly Subscription: $43–$65 (varies by country, sometimes higher due to import duties or taxes)
• Installation (optional): $50–$100 (if you need professional help)

Compare that to traditional options:

• Mobile Data (50GB/month): $30–$70 (depending on country and provider)
• Fibre (where available): $25–$100/month, plus installation fees

Is Starlink Worth It? Let’s Break It Down

Where Starlink Wins

• Rural & Underserved Areas: In places where mobile coverage is weak or fibre is nonexistent, Starlink is a game-changer. Farmers, remote clinics, and schools can finally get fast, reliable internet.
• Businesses & Remote Workers: For those needing Zoom calls, cloud storage, or even YouTube uploads, Starlink delivers speeds and stability that most 4G (or even 5G) networks can’t match.
• Community Sharing: Some villages or neighborhoods are pooling resources to buy one dish, then sharing the connection via Wi-Fi—making it much more affordable per household.

Where Starlink Stumbles

• Upfront Cost: $350+ for hardware is a serious barrier in a continent where the average monthly wage is often less than $200.
• Ongoing Subscription: At $43–$65 per month, it’s still pricier than entry-level mobile bundles—especially for casual users.
• Power & Installation Issues: Starlink needs electricity and a clear view of the sky. Frequent power cuts or dense urban housing can be obstacles.
• Customer Support: Unlike local telcos, support is mostly online, and hardware repairs can mean long waits.

The Real-Life User Experience

• Urban Dwellers: Many city residents still find fibre or mobile data more affordable and convenient, unless they need ultra-reliable speeds.
• Rural Users: For some, Starlink is the first time they’ve had access to streaming, remote education, or online markets. The impact on productivity and opportunity can be life-changing.
• Business Owners: Cybercafés, farms, and logistics companies are early adopters, using Starlink to stay competitive in the digital economy.

The Bottom Line: Is Starlink Worth It?

Starlink isn’t for everyone. If you live in a city with decent fibre or affordable mobile bundles, it might not make financial sense—at least not yet. But for rural families, remote workers, or communities desperate for a reliable connection, Starlink’s price tag is often outweighed by the value of actually being online.

Worth it?

• For rural communities, schools, or businesses without alternatives—yes, Starlink is a revolution.
• For urban dwellers with good fibre or mobile data—not yet, unless you need next-level speed and reliability.

Pro tip: If you’re considering Starlink, see if you can split costs with neighbors, or if a local business is willing to host a shared connection. The future of African internet is as much about community as it is about technology.

Making money online in Africa is no longer a distant dream—it’s a fast-growing reality, thanks to improving internet access, mobile adoption, and a new generation of digital-savvy Africans. But while everyone talks about “making it big” online, few share the unspoken truths and insider strategies that separate the hopeful from the successful. Ready to break through? Here are 7 secrets no one tells you about making money online in Africa—and how to use them to your advantage.

1. Localize—Don’t Just Globalize

Most people rush to target US or European clients, thinking that’s where the big money is. But localizing your skills or business for African markets is often smarter and less competitive. Offer writing, design, or digital marketing services tailored for Nigerian, Kenyan, or Ghanaian brands. Start a blog or YouTube channel that addresses uniquely African interests—local languages, job tips, or entertainment news. The audience is huge, loyal, and often underserved.

2. Mobile is King—Design for It

In Africa, most people access the internet via smartphones. Whether you’re building a blog, selling products, or offering services, always optimize everything for mobile. Use WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook Groups for customer service and marketing. If you’re selling digital products, make sure they’re easy to download and use on a phone.

3. Leverage Social Proof Early

Africans trust “word of mouth” and testimonials. When starting out, offer your service for free or at a discount to a few people in exchange for honest reviews. Screenshots of real feedback, WhatsApp chats, or short video testimonials build instant credibility—often more than flashy websites.

4. Think Micro, Earn Macro

You don’t need a massive following to make money. Small, engaged communities are gold. A WhatsApp group with 200 active members can be more profitable than a Facebook page with 5,000 silent likes. Sell access to exclusive tips, host paid webinars, or offer premium content through Telegram channels or direct messages.

5. Diversify Payment Methods

Many Africans struggle to get paid online due to PayPal or banking restrictions. The secret? Mix and match: use Payoneer, Flutterwave, Chipper Cash, or even crypto for international gigs. For local transactions, bank transfers and mobile money (M-Pesa, MTN MoMo, etc.) are essential. Always give your clients multiple ways to pay you.

6. Skill Up with Free Resources

Don’t pay for expensive courses right away. The internet is full of free resources tailored for Africans—YouTube tutorials, Coursera scholarships, Google Africa Developer programs, and even local Facebook learning groups. Invest your time first, not your money.

7. The Real Money is in Building, Not Just Hustling

Freelancing and microtasks are great for quick cash, but the real breakthrough comes from building assets:

• A blog that earns from ads
• An eCommerce store with automated sales
• A YouTube channel that attracts sponsorships
• A digital product (eBook, template, mini-course) you create once and sell many times
  This takes patience, but it’s how online income becomes truly passive.

In Summary:
Making money online in Africa isn’t just about luck—it’s about strategy, adaptation, and playing to the continent’s unique strengths. Localize, use mobile-first methods, build trust, diversify payments, keep learning, and focus on assets, not just gigs. These secrets aren’t just theories—they’re the behind-the-scenes moves of Africa’s new digital success stories.

When it comes to smartphones in Africa, the used phone market is booming. Walk through any bustling city center—from Lagos’s Computer Village to Nairobi’s Moi Avenue—and you’ll find a throng of stalls and stores offering “London-used” or “Belgian-used” phones at prices that seem almost too good to be true. But behind the glossy screens and attractive bargains lies a reality most sellers would rather you didn’t know. Here’s what really happens in Africa’s second-hand phone scene—and what you need to look out for before handing over your hard-earned cash.

1. Not All “London-Used” Phones Are Really from Abroad

One of the biggest selling points is the promise that a phone is “foreign-used”—usually imported from Europe, the US, or Asia. The assumption is that these phones are lightly used and of higher quality than local hand-me-downs. In truth, many “London-used” phones are actually pre-owned devices collected locally, painstakingly cleaned, and sometimes even repackaged to look imported. Some sellers even “upgrade” phones cosmetically—changing the casings, screens, and branding stickers. The result? You might be buying a phone that’s never been anywhere near London.

2. Hidden Faults and Cosmetic Surgery

Used phones are masters of disguise. Sellers know how to swap out cracked screens, worn-out batteries, or malfunctioning buttons with cheaper, non-original parts. Many phones are only tested for the bare minimum—powering on, making calls, taking photos. Underneath, you could be getting a device with:

• Non-original batteries that drain in hours, not days
• Water damage hidden by a replaced back cover
• Motherboards repaired with inferior components
• Fake or downgraded storage (a phone advertised as 128GB might only have 16GB with a hacked software readout)

3. The IMEI Trap: Stolen and Blacklisted Phones

A disturbing number of used smartphones in African markets have a murky legal past. Some are lost or stolen devices. Others are blacklisted in their countries of origin and shipped off to unsuspecting buyers. These phones can be blocked from connecting to networks at any time, turning your “bargain” into an expensive paperweight. Sellers rarely disclose this risk; a quick IMEI check (the phone’s unique identifier) can save you a world of trouble.

4. Short or Non-Existent Warranties

When you buy a new phone, you get a warranty—sometimes a year or more. With used phones, the warranty is often verbal (“Don’t worry, it’s perfect!”) or limited to 24–72 hours. By the time you discover issues, your seller may have vanished, changed location, or simply refused responsibility.

5. Software Shortcuts and Frustrations

To make old devices seem like new models, some sellers “flash” phones with unofficial software or install fake Android skins. This can lead to:

• Frequent crashes and freezes
• Inability to update or download key apps
• Security vulnerabilities that put your data at risk

6. The Environmental and Social Cost

Many used phones shipped to Africa are the cast-offs of wealthier nations. While this extends the life of devices and provides affordable options, it also means Africa is shouldering a disproportionate share of the world’s e-waste burden. When these phones die, disposal and recycling options are limited, leading to environmental and health hazards.

How to Protect Yourself When Buying a Used Phone in Africa

• Insist on testing every feature: Make calls, check the cameras, try Wi-Fi, insert your SIM, and test all buttons.
• Check the IMEI: Use sites like IMEI.info to ensure the phone isn’t blacklisted or reported stolen.
• Ask about the warranty: Get any promises in writing, even if it’s just a few days.
• Research the model: Know the specs, and check if the phone’s storage and RAM match what’s advertised.
• Buy from reputable dealers: Established shops or certified refurbishers are safer bets than street vendors.

In Conclusion

There’s no denying that the used phone market fills a crucial gap for millions of Africans seeking affordable smartphones. But behind the tempting deals, the risks are real—and often hidden. Arming yourself with knowledge, caution, and a healthy dose of skepticism is the best way to avoid regret and make sure your “new” phone is truly a smart buy.

In the dynamic landscape of Africa’s smartphone market, three brands have consistently risen above the fray: Tecno, Infinix, and Redmi. As 2025 unfolds, the competition between these titans is fiercer than ever, each vying for the loyalty of Africa’s vibrant, youthful, and tech-savvy population. But which brand truly dominates the market this year? Let’s dive deep into the numbers, features, and cultural impact that define the contest.

A Brief Overview: The Contenders

• Tecno: Founded in 2006 and owned by Transsion Holdings, Tecno has built its reputation on affordability, localized features, and aggressive marketing. Its Spark, Camon, and Phantom series are household names across the continent.
• Infinix: Also under Transsion Holdings, Infinix targets fashion-forward youth with stylish designs and bold colors. Its Note and Hot series have enjoyed immense popularity.
• Redmi: Xiaomi’s sub-brand, Redmi, is renowned for its feature-packed smartphones at competitive prices. The Redmi Note and Redmi A series have steadily gained ground, leveraging Xiaomi’s global tech muscle.

Market Share: Numbers Don’t Lie

According to Canalys Q1 2025 data, the African smartphone market is still experiencing double-digit growth, with over 110 million units shipped in the first half of the year. Here’s how the big three stack up:

• Tecno: 28% market share (leading in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya)
• Infinix: 21% market share (strong in Egypt, Cameroon, Senegal)
• Redmi: 17% market share (rapidly rising in South Africa, Morocco, Egypt)

Tecno maintains its pole position, but Redmi’s growth trajectory is the most impressive, with a 9% YoY increase, compared to Tecno’s 5% and Infinix’s 7%.

Key Strengths: What Sets Each Brand Apart?

Tecno: Deep Local Integration

• Localized Features: Tecno’s phones often come pre-loaded with local languages and offer camera modes tuned for African skin tones.
• Battery Life: Recognizing unreliable power supply, Tecno prioritizes large batteries (5,000mAh+) and power-saving modes.
• Price Range: Strong presence in the $80–$200 segment, catering to first-time smartphone buyers.

Infinix: Youthful Innovation

• Design: Infinix leads in trendy colors and slim profiles, appealing to fashion-conscious youths.
• Performance: Its 2025 Hot 30 and Note 15 Pro offer 8GB RAM and advanced gaming capabilities—key for Africa’s burgeoning mobile gaming scene.
• Digital Brand Building: Collaborations with Afrobeats stars and major influencers amplify its reach.

Redmi: Value Meets Performance

• Hardware Power: Redmi’s 2025 Note 14 series delivers class-leading processors and 108MP cameras at under $250.
• MIUI Ecosystem: Seamless integration with wearables, smart TVs, and the Mi Home ecosystem resonates with tech-forward consumers.
• Software Updates: Xiaomi’s commitment to regular Android updates gives Redmi an edge in security and user experience.

Consumer Sentiments: What Do African Users Say?

Tecno Users

• Praise the durability and battery endurance.
• Appreciate after-sales support and easy access to service centers.
• Some criticize the slower pace of software updates.

Infinix Fans

• Love the aesthetic appeal and camera quality for social media.
• Value frequent promotional events and giveaways.
• Express concern about bloatware and phone heating during heavy use.

Redmi Converts

• Enthusiastic about flagship-level features for less.
• Enjoy the clean MIUI interface and frequent Android patches.
• Report some challenges with after-sales service outside major cities.

Challenges and Opportunities in 2025

• Tecno is facing pressure to innovate beyond hardware, with competition from Redmi on software and ecosystem integration.
• Infinix continues to excel in marketing, but must address concerns over device longevity and thermal performance.
• Redmi is rapidly winning over urban, middle-class Africans, but must expand its retail and support networks to rural areas to truly challenge Tecno’s dominance.

The Verdict: Who’s on Top?

Tecno remains the undisputed king in terms of market share and brand recognition. Its understanding of local needs, affordability, and robust support infrastructure keep it at the top in 2025. However, Redmi is the brand to watch—its pace of innovation, value-for-money proposition, and growing urban popularity are reshaping competitive dynamics. Infinix holds the middle ground, beloved by youthful trendsetters and showing steady, if not explosive, growth.

Bottom Line:

• For reliability and local flavor, Tecno remains the go-to.
• For trendiness and youth appeal, Infinix is the top pick.
• For cutting-edge tech on a budget, Redmi is a rising star.

As the African smartphone market matures, expect the competition to intensify, with each brand pushing the boundaries of what’s possible—and affordable—for millions of connected Africans.

Nothing is more frustrating than looking at your phone and seeing “No Service”—especially if you rely on your device for work, study, or staying in touch. If you’re facing this issue on MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile, don’t panic! Here’s what to do:

1. Basic Checks First

a. Check Your Network Signal

• Move to an open area or near a window; weak indoor signals are common.
• If you’re in a rural or remote area, try to find higher ground or move to a spot where you’ve had service before.

b. Confirm Airplane Mode is Off

• Swipe down your quick settings and check Airplane Mode. If it’s on, turn it off!

c. Restart Your Phone

• Sometimes, a simple reboot clears network glitches.

2. SIM Card Issues

a. Remove and Reinsert the SIM

• Power off your phone.
• Remove the SIM card, check for dust or damage, and gently clean the contacts with a soft cloth.
• Reinsert the SIM properly, and power your phone back on.

b. Try the SIM in Another Phone

• If you still see “No Service,” put your SIM in a friend’s phone.
  • If it works there, the issue is likely with your phone.
  • If it doesn’t, your SIM may be faulty or deactivated.

3. Network Selection Settings

a. Set Network Selection to Automatic

• Android:
  • Go to Settings > Connections or Network & Internet > Mobile networks > Network operators > Select “Choose automatically.”
• iPhone:
  • Settings > Mobile Data > Network Selection > Toggle on “Automatic.”

b. Manually Select Network (if automatic fails)

• Choose your network provider (MTN, Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile) from the list.
• Wait for it to register.

4. Check for Network Outages

• Use another device or Wi-Fi to search Twitter or your provider’s official website for outage alerts.
• Ask friends/neighbors using the same network if they have service.

5. Check Your Account Status

a. Is Your Line Barred or Blocked?

• Have you registered your SIM with NIN (National Identification Number)?
  • Unregistered SIMs may be deactivated in Nigeria.
• Have you recently reported your SIM lost or stolen?
• Is your SIM very old and due for replacement?

b. Contact Customer Care

• MTN: Call 180 (from an MTN line) or visit MTN support
• Airtel: Call 111 or visit Airtel support
• Glo: Call 121 or visit Glo support
• 9mobile: Call 200 or visit 9mobile support

Ask them to check your SIM status and reactivate if necessary.

6. Update Your APN (Access Point Names) Settings

Sometimes, your phone can’t connect to the network because of wrong settings.

• Go to Settings > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names
• Tap “Reset to default” or enter your provider’s settings (available on their website).

7. Check for Software Updates

• Go to Settings > System > Software Update
• Install any pending updates—sometimes network bugs are fixed in newer software.

8. Reset Network Settings

• Android:
  Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth
• iPhone:
  Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings

Note: This won’t delete your data, but you’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi afterwards.

9. Physical or Hardware Issues

• If your phone has suffered damage or gotten wet, the SIM slot or internal antenna may be faulty.
• Try another SIM card—if no SIM works, visit a certified repair shop.

10. Last Resort: Get a SIM Replacement

• Visit your network provider’s service centre with a valid ID (and your NIN in Nigeria).
• Request a SIM swap; your old number and balance will be transferred to a new SIM card.

Quick Reference Table

Conclusion

Most “No Service” issues can be resolved by following these steps. If your phone still can’t connect after all this, chances are you need a new SIM or your phone requires professional repair. Remember: keep your SIM registered and your phone updated to avoid future hassles!