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Digital Development in Africa: Progress and Priorities

Africa has made significant strides in promoting digital development and increasing access to digital services. Various countries have implemented initiatives that have improved digital literacy, expanded digital payments, and increased broadband connectivity.

Digital Literacy and Inclusion

  • Trickle Up and AVSI’s women’s digital literacy and inclusion pilot reported a significant increase in basic digital skills among participants, with over 90% of women having ownership and control of digital devices.
  • In Ethiopia, over 900,000 poor households received their benefits in electronic accounts in 2023, with 43% owned and operated by women.

Digital Payments and Social Protection

  • The Social Protection and Economic Resilience Project in Mozambique increased the number of families receiving social protection transfers through digital payments 121-fold between 2021 and 2022.
  • This initiative has improved the lives of millions of people, providing them with a secure and efficient way to receive their benefits.

Broadband Connectivity

  • The West Africa Regional Communications Infrastructure Program (WARCIP) provided $330 million to increase the geographical reach of broadband networks and reduce the cost of communications services in West Africa.
  • By 2021-2022, WARCIP had contributed to extending connectivity to previously underserved or unserved areas through the deployment of 1,700 km of fiber optic cable.

Partnerships for Digital Development

  • The World Bank and the African Union Commission (AUC) have partnered on digital transformation initiatives.
  • The Smart Africa Alliance has grown its membership from seven countries in 2013 to 31 countries in 2020.
  • Partnerships with local and regional organizations, as well as with the private sector, are key to achieving long-lasting impact on digital development.

Priorities for Moving Forward

  1. Accelerating Affordable Broadband: Closing the access gap through sector reforms and catalytic investments in connecting rural/remote areas is a priority.
  2. Scaling Up Digital Public Infrastructure: Investing in digital ID, payment systems, and data sharing to create safe and inclusive digital services is essential.
  3. Building Digital Job Skills: Developing local information technology industry, content, and support services will enable African countries to capitalize on the opportunities presented by digital development.

Africa’s progress in promoting digital development and increasing access to digital services has been significant. However, continued investment and collaboration are necessary to achieve long-lasting impact on digital development.