Mapping the Digital Divide in Africa

Abstract

Despite issues associated with the digital divide, mobile telephony is growing on the continent and the rise of smartphones has given citizens easy access to social networking sites. But the digital divide, which mostly reflects on one's race, gender, socioeconomic status or geographical location, stands in the way of digital progress. What opportunities are available to tame digital disparities? How are different societies in Africa handling digital problems? What innovative methods are being used to provide citizens with access to critical information that can help improve their lives? Experiences from various locations in several sub-Saharan African countries have been carefully selected in this collection with the aim of providing an updated account on the digital divide and its impact in Africa.

Digital inequalities and their impact on distance education: The case of Ibn Zohr university students – Morocco

“…The concept of "digital inequalities" emerged in the 1990s (Mutsvairo & Ragnedda, 2019). The primary use of this concept was associated with policy makers discourse (Ball-Rokeach, & Jung, 2010).…”

Digital divides among microenterprises: Evidence from sub‐Saharan Africa

“…However, digital diffusion also brings new challenges and risks that can impede or reduce the benefits associated with digital transformation. Depending on supply‐side and demand‐side factors, the diffusion of digital technologies is uneven and generates digital inequalities – or digital divides – between and within countries (Mutsvairo & Ragnedda, 2019; Van Dijk, 2020). Initially defined as “the divide between those with access to new technologies and those without” (NTIA, 1999), this prior definition is no longer relevant as it has become clear that the digital divide continues to expand even after physical access becomes universal (Donner, 2015).…”

ICT Influence on Economic Growth of Low-Income Countries with the Participation of HICs

“…By leveraging the knowledge and resources of their developed counterparts, LICs can overcome these barriers and enhance the successful implementation of ICT initiatives to benefit their economies and societies. Although digital accessibility and digitalization have become prevalent (Kumari and Singh, 2023;Mutsvairo & Ragnedda, 2019;Oyelaran-Oyeyinka & Lal, 2005) particularly in terms of the Internet, fixed broadband and individual users, it is crucial to recognize how developing countries leverage digitalization, ICT infrastructure, ICT adaptation and ICT fusion. Through this study, we can understand the benefits enjoyed by these countries.…”