African digital economy faces uneven outlook

Significance

This is attributable to relatively low internet penetration, the limited number of digital platforms and e-commerce businesses, and low investment and digital skills levels. These factors loom over Africa’s future digital economy and its ability to employ the regional workforce.

Impacts

• Government investment in expanding telecoms infrastructure and increasing digital skills is key.
• Modest growth in the digital economy will help the continent to recover from pandemic-linked downturns.
• Given existing gender disparities in internet use, the growth of the digital economy will deepen rather than reduce gender gaps.