The “State of Broadband 2024” report was released, a comprehensive analysis published by the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, a collaborative initiative co-founded by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Through detailed analysis and data-driven findings, the “State of Broadband 2024” report serves as a crucial resource for policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders committed to advancing digital inclusion and harnessing the benefits of broadband to foster sustainable and equitable development worldwide.

The 2024 report provides critical insights into the global state of broadband connectivity, highlighting progress and identifying persistent gaps in digital access. It underscores the transformative potential of broadband as a key digital infrastructure and emphasizes its significance in various sectors including education, healthcare, government services, and economic empowerment. With a particular focus on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for universal connectivity, the report explores how AI can drive innovation and inclusivity in the broadband landscape.

Traditional connectivity will continue to expand, but without affordable devices. Ai technology, internet access, and local content, inclusive connectivity will remain out of reach. To achieve meaningful universal connectivity and bridge the gap, it is essential to ensure that technology benefits non-English, French, and Spanish speakers”

Lacina Kone, CEO of Smart Africa

Global Connectivity and Digital Divide: Focus on Africa

In Africa, the digital divide remains a significant challenge, as many regions struggle with limited Internet access and affordability issues. Despite the global trend towards increased connectivity, Africa has seen slower progress compared to other regions.

Mobile Connectivity and Data Growth in Africa

Mobile connectivity is vital for Africa’s digital inclusion, given the continent’s reliance on mobile technology as the primary means of accessing the Internet. As of 2023, Africa continues to grapple with substantial connectivity gaps, with a considerable portion of the population lacking access to reliable Internet services. The growth of mobile communications is expected to drive connectivity improvements, but significant challenges remain in expanding coverage and affordability.

Sectoral Transformations Through Digital Technologies in Africa

Government Services: Digital technologies are revolutionizing government services in Africa. For instance, Rwanda has emerged as a leader among Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in e-government. By 2022, Rwanda offered 98 online services, reflecting a robust commitment to leveraging digital tools to improve governance and public service delivery.

Education: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated educational inequalities in Africa, where a significant portion of students could not transition to online learning due to lack of access. As of 2023, Internet connectivity in African schools remains low, with only 40% of primary, 50% of lower secondary, and 65% of upper secondary schools connected to the Internet. This digital divide hampers efforts to provide quality education across the continent.

Digital Financial Services: Digital financial services are expanding rapidly in Africa, playing a crucial role in increasing financial inclusion. In 2023, the number of registered mobile money accounts in Africa contributed significantly to the global total of 1.75 billion, reflecting a 12% increase from the previous year. Mobile money has become a vital tool for economic participation in many African countries, yet barriers such as lack of trust and digital literacy continue to impede broader adoption.

Advocacy Tagrets

Advocacy Target 1: Universal Broadband Policy

In Africa, developing and implementing National Broadband Plans (NBPs) is critical to advancing connectivity. Despite the region’s efforts to integrate broadband into economic recovery strategies post the 2007/2008 financial crisis, many African countries still struggle with funding and deploying comprehensive broadband infrastructure. Rising interest rates and external debt pressures complicate the ability to finance these essential projects.

Advocacy Target 2: Broadband Affordability

Affordability of broadband services remains a significant barrier to universal connectivity in Africa. By 2023, broadband had become more affordable across various regions, but stark contrasts persist. In lower-middle-income economies, broadband services are 5.5 times less affordable, and in low-income economies, they are over 20 times less affordable than in high-income economies. These disparities underscore the urgent need for policy interventions to reduce costs and make Internet access more accessible.

Advocacy Target 3: Universal Connectivity

Achieving universal connectivity is a pressing goal for Africa. Despite a global increase in Internet usage to 67% by 2023, only 35% of the population in LDCs, many of which are in Africa, use the Internet. Bridging these connectivity gaps, particularly in remote and underserved areas, is crucial. Emerging technologies like satellite and direct-to-device (D2D) offer promising solutions to extend connectivity across the continent.

Advocacy Target 4: Digital Skills Development

Digital literacy is a critical challenge in Africa, with many individuals lacking the skills needed to effectively use the Internet. By 2023, only a limited number of African countries provided comprehensive data on digital skills, highlighting the need for robust initiatives to enhance digital literacy. Developing these skills is essential for individuals to fully participate in the digital economy and leverage its benefits.

Advocacy Target 5: Digital Financial Services

Digital financial services are a key driver of economic participation in Africa. By 2023, the rapid growth of mobile money services continued to transform financial inclusion on the continent. However, barriers such as digital literacy, economic constraints, and trust issues hinder the widespread adoption of these services. Addressing these challenges is crucial to harness the full potential of digital financial services in Africa.

Advocacy Target 6: MSMEs Online

Micro-, Small-, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) are vital to Africa’s economic landscape, but they often face significant barriers to digital connectivity. While MSMEs in high-income regions enjoy high connectivity rates, those in low- and middle-income countries, including many in Africa, struggle with access and affordability. In a survey, only 7% of microenterprises in seven African countries reported using the Internet for business purposes. Bridging this digital divide is essential to empower African MSMEs to compete in the global market.

Advocacy Target 7: Bridge the Gender Digital Divide

Gender disparities in Internet usage are pronounced in Africa. As of 2023, women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including many in Africa, were 19% less likely to use mobile Internet than men. While the adoption of mobile Internet by women has increased, significant gender gaps persist. Addressing these disparities is crucial for ensuring equitable access to digital resources and opportunities. Efforts must focus on promoting digital inclusion and empowering women to participate fully in the digital economy.

The 2024 report emphasizes the crucial role of broadband as a foundation for global digital transformation. It underscores the need for targeted efforts to bridge connectivity gaps and ensure that digital advancements are inclusive and equitable. AI presents significant opportunities across sectors but also requires careful management to avoid amplifying existing inequalities and to promote sustainable and ethical digital development. As we look towards the future, addressing these challenges will be essential for achieving universal and meaningful connectivity.