- 13/11/2024
- Posted by: Janick Pettit
- Categories: Algeria, Cameroon, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Online Panels, Online services, Social media and communication, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
The use of dating apps in Africa is transforming social connections across the continent, particularly among the younger, tech-savvy population. Despite some cultural hesitations, interest in digital matchmaking is rising, as apps like Tinder and Badoo gain popularity. Recent research conducted with our online panel in Africa, involving over 13,000 respondents across 27 African countries, reveals unique trends in app usage. The findings highlight a fascinating blend of traditional values and modern dating practices across the continent.
Relationships in Africa: tradition meets modern connection
While dating apps are gaining traction in Africa, traditional, long-term relationships still shape social dynamics significantly. Among respondents currently in a relationship, 41% report being married, and 43% have been with their partner for over five years. Meeting through family, friends, and school remains common. 29% of respondents were introduced through family or friends and 17% through educational connections. While community-driven introductions remain key, dating apps are creating new paths for connections in modern Africa.
One quarter of surveyed Africans have tried dating apps
According to this online research, 28% of Africans report having ever used a dating app, with the highest adoption rates in Cameroon (39%) and Kenya (38%). The least interest in dating apps is found in Egypt (10%) and Algeria (18%), suggesting that cultural conservatism, urbanization levels, and tech adoption trends may affect usage rates.
Broad demographic appeal
Dating apps demonstrate equal usage among men and women, with slightly higher engagement among upper socio-economic classes (SECs). The 26 to 45 age group emerges as the primary user base. Additionally, meeting through dating apps is notably more common among recent couples, indicating both a growing interest in these platforms and potentially higher matchmaking success rates among users.
Popular dating apps in Africa
American based Tinder leads the African dating app market closely followed by Badoo. In terms of geographic reach, Badoo is particularly popular in Francophone countries, such as Cameroon, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Gabon. In contrast, Tinder dominates in Anglophone nations, including Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Notably, Badoo sees stronger adoption among men, while Tinder has a larger female user base.
Other apps used include Dating.com (strong in Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia), Bumble (popular in Ghana and Uganda), Match.com and OKCupid.
Motivations and preferences
Africans primarily use dating apps to make new friends (43%) or explore out of curiosity (35%), rather than exclusively for romantic purposes. This highlights a unique trend in online dating in Africa, where the use of dating apps reflects a blend of traditional and modern approaches to building connections.
More on mobile apps in Africa
If you’re seeking deeper insights into dating trends or consumer apps in Africa, our online panel offers valuable insights. We conduct regular research across the continent, exploring trends in online services, including ride hailing apps. Reach out to us at contact@sagaciresearch.com or click below to connect.
Methodology
SagaPoll, the largest online consumer panel in Africa surveys respondents from over 30 countries on a daily basis.
- Which of the following situations apply to you and your partner? / How long have you and your partner been together?
- How did you and your partner meet?
- Have you ever used a dating app?
- Which of the following dating apps have you used in the last 12 months?
- What motivates you to use dating apps?
Population: adults above 18 years old in 27 African countries (Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo, Congo DRC, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe)
Base: 13,557
Period: 22nd October 2024