Table of Contents
Colombia's digital landscape is experiencing steady growth, with internet penetration reaching 75.4% in 2023. This translates to nearly 39.3 million Colombians connected, reflecting a slight increase from 2022.
While internet accessibility remains a challenge, with 24% of the population still offline, mobile connectivity is on the rise. There were 77.02 million cellular mobile connections in 2024, signifying a high mobile phone penetration rate of 147.5%. This bodes well for future internet adoption, as mobile internet usage is a key driver of growth in many developing countries.
Social media is a dominant online activity in Colombia. In early 2024, there were an estimated 36.7 million social media users, accounting for 70.3% of the population. This suggests a significant portion of Colombians are using social media platforms to connect, share information, and consume content. Interestingly, e-commerce is thriving despite the uneven internet access.
Colombia boasts the third-largest e-commerce market in Latin America, generating a revenue of $11.4 billion in 2022. This trend is expected to continue, with mobile purchases alone projected to double by 2026. The popularity of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram likely influences e-commerce growth, as they are often used for product discovery and advertising.
Looking ahead to 2028, Colombia's digital landscape is expected to show further progress. The internet penetration rate is forecast to reach 90.3%, with an estimated 49.5 million users. While the growth rate might slow down slightly, the overall number of internet users is on track to increase.
E-commerce is also expected to flourish alongside internet user growth, driven by factors like increasing mobile internet speeds and a growing familiarity with online shopping platforms. With continued investment in infrastructure development and digital literacy programs, Colombia can bridge the digital divide and ensure everyone benefits from the opportunities offered by the internet.
Definitions
Online population. Total number of individuals or users who have access to the internet and regularly use it for various purposes, such as communication, information gathering, entertainment, shopping, and more (at least once in a month)
Additional Notes
Release Date: April 2024
Region: Colombia
Time Period: 2009 to 2028
Author: Datum Research Team
Source: Datum Global Online Population Forecast 2023-28
Methodology
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To create precise estimates, we take into account elements like historical data, market drivers, economic indicators, consumer behaviour, and the competitive environment.
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Our dedicated team produces over 30 forecasts annually, enabling a comprehensive understanding of global market trends.
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