Ethiopia’s Internet Freedom Struggles: The Lowest Ranking Among 17 African Countries Amid Shutdowns

Addis Ababa — Ethiopia has been identified as having the lowest internet freedom score among 17 African nations evaluated in Freedom House's "Freedom on the Net 2024" report, achieving a score of 27 out of 100, which designates it with a "Not Free" rating. The report underscores the significant obstacles faced by internet users in Ethiopia, particularly due to government-imposed disruptions in connectivity and stringent restrictions placed on online journalists. Authorities often justify these measures citing the ongoing armed conflict and the unstable security situation within the country.

According to the report, "Governments in conflict-affected nations, such as Ethiopia and Sudan, frequently interrupt internet access citing national security concerns." This has resulted in what Freedom House characterizes as "severe restrictions" on digital rights, which have played a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s low score. Sudan and Egypt, both scoring 28 points, ranked just above Ethiopia, reflecting similar challenges in internet freedom. In contrast, Kenya scored significantly higher at 62, earning it a third-place ranking, while Uganda registered a score of 53.

The study indicates a diverse array of trends across the continent. South Africa leads with the highest score of 74 points and is classified as "Free." Meanwhile, Zambia has shown the most improvement, gaining 3 points to reach a score of 62. Conversely, Zimbabwe experienced the largest decline, dropping 3 points to achieve a score of 48.

Additionally, the report highlights troubling trends concerning the treatment of internet users across the assessed countries. It noted that 16 out of the 17 countries analyzed reported instances where internet users were arrested or detained for their online expressions. Furthermore, nine countries documented physical assaults on individuals because of their online activities.

Further analysis from the Center for Rights and Democracy (CARD) revealed that Ethiopia has incurred significant economic losses due to internet shutdowns. In 2023 alone, the nation suffered an estimated loss of approximately $1.59 billion due to over 14,900 hours of internet outages, affecting around 29 million users. This situation has been exacerbated by a separate report from Top10VPN, which ranked Ethiopia second globally for economic losses stemming from internet restrictions in 2023, estimating the total losses at about $1.9 billion. These shutdowns, frequently associated with conflict and instability, have become more prevalent, particularly in regions such as Tigray and Amhara.

The implications of internet restrictions in Ethiopia are significant, extending beyond personal freedoms and digital rights to negatively impact economic growth and overall development. These constraints stifle innovation, limit access to vital information, and impede the ability of individuals and businesses to engage in the digital economy.

As connectivity is disrupted, citizens, particularly in conflict-affected areas, are deprived of educational resources and critical communication channels necessary for daily life and economic participation. This exacerbates existing inequalities, particularly for marginalized groups who are already vulnerable.

Moreover, the economic toll is considerable. The loss of billions due to internet shutdowns reveals the urgent need for Ethiopia to adopt robust policies that safeguard digital rights and facilitate the unhindered flow of information. Addressing these issues is essential for fostering a resilient and inclusive digital ecosystem, especially in a country facing ongoing conflicts and instability.

To move forward, Ethiopia must prioritize the establishment of legal frameworks that protect internet freedom and encourage investments in digital infrastructure. These measures would not only enhance national security but also promote socio-economic development, empowering citizens and businesses alike to thrive in an increasingly digital world. The need for dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders—including government, civil society, and the private sector—has never been more critical in ensuring a secure and accessible internet for all Ethiopians.