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Growing up, I remember the first time I encountered a computer. It was a behemoth of a machine, tucked away in an air-conditioned lab, accessible only to a privileged few. I was captivated – this box could create, compute, and connect in ways I had never imagined. Yet, for many around me, it remained a distant dream, a luxury they would never touch. Today, decades later, we’ve made strides in democratising technology, but the battle is far from over. Hardware accessibility remains a major stumbling block in the global push for digital equity, and as we step into the future, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The digital divide is a hardware divide
When we discuss digital inclusion, much of the focus is placed on internet access and software solutions. While these are critical, the conversation often overlooks the foundational element: hardware. Without access to personal computers, tablets, or even smartphones, millions are locked out of the digital economy before they can even begin.
The numbers are staggering. According to the GSMA, more than 2.7 billion people worldwide still lack access to the internet, but even among those who are connected, hardware affordability remains a significant barrier. In many African countries, the average cost of a decent laptop can be equal to several months of income. This economic imbalance means that while some have the privilege of working with cutting-edge devices, others struggle with outdated or shared technology, limiting their ability to compete in an increasingly digital world.
The economic impact of device accessibility
Hardware accessibility isn’t just about convenience – it directly impacts economic mobility. Consider these scenarios:
• A young entrepreneur with a reliable laptop can launch an e-commerce business, develop software, or provide digital services to a global clientele.
• A student with a personal device can access online courses, practise coding, and compete with their global peers in STEM fields.
• A small business owner can leverage digital tools to optimise operations, manage inventory, and reach a broader market.
In contrast, those without access are left behind – not because they lack talent or ambition, but because they lack the fundamental tools to participate.
Lessons from the global stage
Countries that have prioritised hardware accessibility have seen exponential economic growth and innovation. South Korea’s investment in digital infrastructure, including affordable personal computers, transformed it into a global tech hub. Similarly, India’s aggressive push for digital literacy, combined with affordable mobile devices, has created one of the world’s largest IT workforces.
Closer to home, initiatives like Rwanda’s “One Laptop per Child” programme have shown the transformative power of putting devices directly into the hands of students. While challenges remain, the principle is clear: access to hardware fuels education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
The role of tech companies and policymakers
Bridging the hardware divide requires collaboration between tech companies, governments, and non-profit organisations. Here’s how we can make an impact:
• Affordable Hardware Programs: Companies should explore financing options, instalment plans, or subsidised devices for students and low-income workers.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Governments and corporations can collaborate on bulk purchasing and distribution of devices to schools, entrepreneurs, and underserved communities.
• Refurbishment & Redistribution: Instead of discarding older models, tech firms can refurbish and donate them to those in need.
• Local Manufacturing & Assembly: Encouraging local production of affordable laptops and tablets can reduce costs and create jobs.
Innovate for inclusion
As someone who has spent years in the tech industry, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of access. I’ve seen young professionals go from struggling to find opportunities to thriving in digital careers – simply because they received a laptop at the right time.
It’s why initiatives like the MannyVille Series and Single Click Academy emphasise not just digital literacy but device accessibility. Knowledge without the right tools is like having a roadmap with no vehicle. If we are serious about preparing Africa for the next digital frontier, we must ensure that hardware is no longer a privilege but a fundamental right.
The future isn’t just about software, AI, or cloud computing – it starts with something far simpler: the ability to own and use a device. Because when we talk about digital transformation, we must first ask, Who has the tools to build this future, and who is being left behind?
It’s time to close that gap. Let’s make devices for all a reality.
Emmanuel Okwudili Asika is a seasoned business leader, digital equity advocate, and industry strategist with over two decades of experience in ICT and IT, spanning executive roles at Globacom Ltd. and HP Inc. Asika has a BA in English (Lagos State University) and an MBA from Warwick Business School, with a Harvard Business School executive stint in ‘Building Businesses in Emerging Markets.’
