Africa Faces Digital Divide Despite Broadband Coverage
According to the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), nearly one billion people in Africa remain offline, even in areas served by existing broadband networks. This situation underscores the need for enhanced regional collaboration to address the persistent digital divide that hampers the continent’s growth.
The ATU’s findings serve as a stark reminder that expanding digital infrastructure alone cannot ensure meaningful internet access. While mobile connectivity and digital innovation continue to progress across Africa, and governments are increasingly leveraging technology to enhance public service delivery, millions are still unable to participate in the digital economy.
To effectively close this gap, the ATU emphasizes the necessity of not only expanding network coverage but also addressing essential factors such as affordability, accessibility to appropriate devices, digital literacy, trust, and the availability of relevant local content.
Mr. Nadungu Gagare, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, highlighted that despite living within broadband reach, approximately one billion Africans lack mobile internet. He asserted that it is crucial for infrastructure expansion to be complemented by efforts to enhance affordability, ensure the availability of suitable devices, and improve digital skills and local services.
The ATU also advocates for a unified stance among African nations regarding global digital governance. The organization argues that decisions made in international forums should reflect the continent’s priorities. It suggests that enhanced cooperation among African countries can facilitate experience sharing, attract investments, bolster cybersecurity, enhance digital infrastructure, and guarantee that no country is excluded from Africa’s digital transformation.
John Omo, ATU Secretary-General, stressed that any institutional reforms guiding the organization’s future must be rooted in solid legal and procedural frameworks, built on a genuine evaluation of past achievements and shortcomings.
Nonkhbela Jordan Diyani, Director-General of the South African Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, expanded on these challenges by noting the impact of climate-related disasters, rapid technological advancement, and the ongoing repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on trade, investment, and economic growth. He indicated that strengthening the ATU would not only advance the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) but also foster regional integration and support the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Diyani called for collaborative efforts among governments, development partners, the private sector, academia, and civil society to shape Africa’s digital future.
These insights collectively highlight a crucial conclusion: Africa’s digital transformation, akin to establishing physical infrastructure like cables and pylons, hinges on factors such as affordability, digital skills, and inclusive policies.
For further reading, consider exploring:
Shaping Africa’s digital future: The African Telecommunications Union’s role in connecting and transforming
Africa’s telecom cloudification: moving towards software-defined networks
