Technology delivers mixed development gains in Africa

Significance

However, early hopes that digital technology would rapidly overcome the continent’s infrastructural weaknesses and enable governments to achieve 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals have proven overly optimistic.

Impacts

• Access to uncensored and affordable internet will drive deeper divides between civil society advocates and authoritarian governments.
• Without concerted state action, further technological advances, particularly automation, will reduce employment.
• Digital technology will reduce the impact of pandemics and health crises on public services.