The World Bank has revealed that improved access to Internet coverage over three years contributed to a seven per cent reduction in extreme poverty in Nigeria and Tanzania.
This information was shared in a new brief titled “Digital transformation drives development in Africa.”
The report also highlighted that Internet access led to an increase of eight per cent in labor force participation and wage employment. Over the past five years (2016 – 2021), Sub-Saharan Africa experienced a remarkable 115 per cent increase in Internet users, fostering economic growth, innovation, and job opportunities.
Despite having over five million active Internet subscriptions in Nigeria, the need for wider Internet coverage remains to boost inclusive economic growth. The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, acknowledged that the cost of data in Nigeria is still one of the cheapest globally, but challenges like unprofitability for operators to lay fiber in many parts of the country persist.
READ ALSO: Lagos State Govt implements ban on styrofoam, single-use plastics
World Bank Chief Economist for Africa, Andrew Dabalen, emphasized the importance of closing the digital gap for inclusive growth in Africa, stating, “The minimal usage of mobile internet is a lost opportunity for inclusive growth in Africa. Closing the uptake gap would increase the continent’s potential to create jobs for its growing population and boost economic recovery in a highly digitalized world.”
The brief also highlighted challenges, including the affordability of mobile connectivity and a persistent digital gender gap. The cost of mobile internet remains high, and women are 37 per cent less likely to use mobile internet compared to men.
Efforts are needed to address these barriers and make digital access more equitable and widespread. The World Bank reaffirmed its commitment to digital development in Africa with significant investments across various projects aimed at digitally enabling individuals, businesses, and governments in Africa by 2030.
