By: Chané Fraser

Accelerating Digital Transformation in Eastern and Southern Africa

Digitalization has emerged as a transformative force, offering immense opportunities to eradicate poverty, create jobs, and enable a sustainable future. Technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are rapidly reshaping societies worldwide. However, in Eastern and Southern Africa, digital progress lags behind global standards, leaving millions without access to the internet or basic digital literacy.

Currently, only 64% of the region's population is covered by high-speed internet, with just 24% actively using it (as of 2023). This lack of connectivity jeopardizes the future of the continent’s youth, particularly as Africa is projected to have the world’s youngest and fastest-growing workforce by 2050. By 2030, Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to have 230 million digital jobs requiring intermediate to advanced digital skills. Yet, a widening digital skills gap, gender disparities, and limited technology adoption in firms and the public sector threaten the region's ability to meet these demands.

Bridging the Digital Divide

The World Bank Group is prioritizing digital development across Eastern and Southern Africa, focusing on investments in infrastructure, skill-building, e-services, and inclusive policies. Recent projects illustrate the potential for change:

• In Malawi, the Digital Foundations Project has provided internet connectivity to 530 public institutions, free Wi-Fi in 120 locations, and trained 19,000 youth in tech skills.

• In Tanzania, a state-of-the-art ICT training center is being established to equip young people with skills in areas like cybersecurity, blockchain, and software development.

• The IDEA Program, recently launched, aims to deliver internet access and digital services to over 180 million Africans by 2032. It emphasizes inclusivity, targeting marginalized groups, women, and people with disabilities, addressing barriers like affordability, online safety, and digital literacy.

Unlocking Africa’s Potential

Digital transformation is critical to harnessing Africa's youthful energy and talent. Through public-private partnerships and targeted investments, the region can unlock new opportunities, drive economic growth, and ensure no one is left behind in the digital age. Youth-led innovation is already making waves, with inspiring entrepreneurs from Angola, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo paving the way for the region’s digital future. 

⁎ Reference Article Link: https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/nasikiliza/empowering-africa-s-youth--bridging-the-digital-skills-afe-gap