Africa’s poorest are three times more likely to own a mobile phone than a flushing toilet.

A survey by public-attitude researchers Afrobarometer found that less than 30% of Africans have access to sewerage services, whereas mobile phone services are available to more than 90%.

According to a CNBC Africa report, the continent has made impressive progress, in terms of mobile phone services approaching universal coverage. However, the development of infrastructure for electricity, water, sewerage and roads remains a considerable challenge.

Afrobarometer – which focuses on 35 African countries – found that only 63% of Africans have access to piped water, 54% experience tarred or paved roads and 65% of citizens are connected to the national electricity grid.

26 January 2016
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