The digital divide remains one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, particularly in Africa, where access to technology and the internet is still a privilege for many rather than a universal right.
According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), as of 2023, only 37% of Africa’s population has access to the internet, compared to a global average of 67%. By comparison, in Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Americas, about 90 per cent of the population uses the Internet. Approximately two-thirds of the population in the Arab States and in Asia and the Pacific uses the Internet, in line with the global average.
This gap is not just a technological issue; it is a profound economic and ethical dilemma that demands immediate attention. Bridging the digital divide is not merely a philanthropic endeavour – it is a strategic imperative for businesses, governments, and societies at large. African boards, as stewards of organisational direction, have a unique opportunity to catalyse trust, inclusion, and sustainable growth by addressing this divide head-on. The economic and ethical implications of this effort are monumental, and the time to act is now.
From an economic perspective, the digital divide represents a missed opportunity of staggering proportions. The World Bank estimates that closing the digital gap in Africa could increase GDP per capita by up to 20% in some countries. This is not just about connectivity; it is about unlocking the potential of millions of people who are currently excluded from the digital economy.
Consider the informal sector, which accounts for over 80% of employment in sub-Saharan Africa. By providing these workers with access to digital tools, platforms, and markets, businesses can tap into a vast reservoir of untapped talent and consumer demand. The bottom of the pyramid, often overlooked in traditional business models, represents a $5.6 trillion global market opportunity, according to the Harvard Business Review. Ignoring this segment is not just shortsighted, it is a strategic blunder. Companies that fail to recognise the value of inclusive growth risk losing relevance in an increasingly interconnected world.
Ethically, the digital divide exacerbates inequality and perpetuates cycles of poverty. In an era where digital literacy is as essential as traditional literacy, those without access to technology are effectively shut out of education, healthcare, and financial services. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift to online learning left millions of African children behind, as they lacked the devices and connectivity needed to participate. This is not just a moral failing; it is a systemic issue that undermines social cohesion and economic stability.
Businesses have a responsibility to address this imbalance, not out of charity, but because inclusive growth is the foundation of long-term sustainability. When boards prioritize bridging the digital divide, they signal a commitment to equity and social responsibility, which in turn builds trust and loyalty among stakeholders.
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The business case for bridging the digital divide is clear, but how can technology itself be the catalyst for change? Mobile technology, for instance, has already revolutionised access to financial services in Africa. M-Pesa, Kenya’s mobile money platform, has enabled over 50 million people to send, save, and borrow money without needing a traditional bank account. This innovation has not only transformed lives but also created a thriving ecosystem of entrepreneurs and small businesses. Similarly, companies like Zipline are using drones to deliver medical supplies to remote areas, demonstrating how technology can overcome geographical barriers and save lives. These examples illustrate that technology is not just a tool for connectivity; it is a bridge to opportunity, empowerment, and inclusion.
African boards must play a pivotal role in steering their organisations toward this inclusive future. This begins with a shift in mindset—from viewing the digital divide as a problem to seeing it as an opportunity. Boards should encourage their organisations to invest in infrastructure, partnerships, and innovations that expand access to technology. For instance, partnering with governments and NGOs to build broadband networks in underserved areas can create a win-win scenario, where businesses gain access to new markets while communities benefit from improved connectivity. Additionally, Boards should advocate for policies that promote digital literacy and affordability, ensuring that technology is accessible to all, not just the privileged few. By positioning their organisations as champions of inclusion, boards can build trust and loyalty among consumers, employees, and investors alike, ultimately driving stronger financial performance and long-term business growth.
One compelling example of an organisation leveraging technology to bridge the digital divide in Africa is MTN Group, a leading telecommunications company. MTN has made significant investments in expanding its network coverage to rural and underserved areas, enabling millions of people to access the internet for the first time. Through its Mobile Money platform, MTN has also provided financial inclusion to over 50 million users across the continent. This initiative has not only driven revenue growth for the company but also empowered individuals and small businesses to participate in the digital economy. MTN’s success demonstrates that bridging the digital divide is not just a moral imperative, it is a viable and profitable business model.
On the global stage, Microsoft’s Airband Initiative provides another powerful example. This programme aims to bring high-speed internet to underserved communities worldwide, including in Africa. By partnering with local ISPs and leveraging innovative technologies like TV white spaces, Microsoft has connected millions of people to the internet, enabling access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The Airband Initiative underscores the transformative potential of technology when deployed with a focus on inclusion and equity. It also highlights the importance of collaboration between businesses, governments, and civil society in addressing complex challenges like the digital divide.
Bridging the digital divide is not just about technology, it is about trust. When businesses take meaningful steps to include marginalised communities, they send a powerful message: that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, deserves a seat at the table. This builds loyalty among consumers, who are increasingly prioritising brands that align with their values. According to a 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer report, 81% of consumers say that trusting a brand is a key factor in their purchasing decisions. By addressing the digital divide, businesses can differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace and foster long-term relationships with their customers.
In conclusion, the digital divide is a challenge that cannot be ignored. It has profound economic and ethical implications, and its impact on business sustainability and growth is undeniable. African boards have a unique opportunity to lead the charge in bridging this gap, not out of obligation, but because it makes strategic sense. By investing in technology, partnerships, and policies that promote inclusion, businesses can unlock new markets, drive innovation, and build trust with their stakeholders. The examples of MTN Group and Microsoft’s Airband Initiative demonstrate that this is not just a theoretical concept; it is a practical, profitable, and transformative approach to business. The bottom of the pyramid is not a charity case; it is a cornerstone of long-term success. Bridging the digital divide is not just the right thing to do; it is the smart thing to do. The future belongs to those who embrace inclusion, and the time to act is now.
