The World Bank has revealed that enhanced access to internet coverage has contributed to a seven per cent reduction in extreme poverty in Nigeria and Tanzania over three years. The findings were outlined in a brief titled “Digital transformation drives development in Africa,” indicating that increased exposure to the internet also led to an eight per cent rise in labour force participation and wage employment.
The World Bank Chief Economist for Africa, Andrew Dabalen, emphasized the significant impact of internet usage on inclusive growth, 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 digitalised world.”
The brief highlighted the remarkable 115 per cent increase in internet users in sub-Saharan Africa over the past five years (2016-2021). This surge has played a crucial role in fostering economic growth, driving innovation, and creating job opportunities.
Despite this progress, the brief noted that digital infrastructure coverage, access, and quality in sub-Saharan Africa still lag behind other regions. While 84 per cent of people in the region had access to 3G service and 63 per cent to 4G mobile coverage by the end of 2021, only 22 per cent were using mobile internet services. Additionally, the gap between coverage and usage for broadband remains large, with 61 per cent of people within broadband range not utilizing it.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in Nigeria, Dr Bosun Tijani, recently acknowledged that the cost of data in Nigeria remains one of the cheapest globally. However, he expressed concern that many operators are unwilling to lay fibre in rural areas due to profitability challenges outside major cities.