Bridging the Divide: Telecom, Social Inclusion, and Africa's Journey to Digital Equity

In Africa, we say, "If the corn mill grinds slowly, the water will still boil." It is a reminder that patience and persistence can still bring success in the long run. But the question is: how long can Africa afford to wait when it comes to the digital divide? The world is moving forward rapidly, and the urgency to bridge this chasm grows stronger each day.

The digital divide is not just a story of cables, satellites, and fibre optics, but a tale of inequality in access to opportunities. In many rural and marginalized communities, the proverb ?"Destiny delayed dims sight" holds true. Here, the lack of digital access hinders progress, keeping these communities in the shadows while the rest of the world speeds ahead.

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Understanding the Divide

The digital divide refers to the growing gap between those who have access to technology—reliable internet, smartphones, digital services—and those who don’t. It's like the Igbo saying: "A girl who lives in destitution does not stand where the rich boys gather." In the same way, those without access to the digital world are cut off from crucial opportunities in education, healthcare, and economic development.

Today, the gap is no longer just about having a mobile phone. It's about digital participation. While telecommunication has grown significantly across Africa, with mobile penetration reaching impressive levels, millions still stand outside the gates of this digital marketplace. The inequalities of access—whether across rural-urban divides, or between the rich and poor—are evident. In countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, urban areas glow with the light of internet cafes, data bundles, and fibre optic connections, while rural villages are still waiting for that first phone signal.

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Why the Digital Divide Persists

The divide is caused by several interconnected issues that make the proverbial "stream" difficult to cross:

·?????? Geographical Hurdles: Africa is vast, and many communities live in remote, hard-to-reach areas. Deploying telecom infrastructure in such places is an expensive endeavour. "The road to the farm is narrow," as the Swahili say. In countries like Tanzania and Ethiopia, the low population density and rugged terrain make it challenging for network providers to set up shop.

·?????? High Costs: Even in areas where the infrastructure exists, the cost of data plans and smartphones remains prohibitive for the average African household. To make matters worse, sub-Saharan Africa continues to have some of the most expensive mobile data prices in the world. It’s like the Yoruba proverb :"Hunger prevents wisdom". Even if digital access is available, if people cannot afford it, it might as well not exist.

·?????? Income Inequality: The African proverb, "A hungry stomach has no ears," holds true. Those who are struggling to meet basic needs have little room to prioritize digital access. Wealthier individuals in cities have access to fast 5G networks, while people in poverty-stricken areas remain disconnected. This growing inequality across Africa makes it clear that the digital divide is about more than technology—it’s about social exclusion.

·?????? Lack of Digital Literacy: "If a child does not learn to crawl, he will not learn to walk." Without digital literacy, simply providing access to the internet is not enough. In many communities, especially among the older generation, there is a lack of understanding on how to make use of the internet. This is akin to the Igbo saying, "Learning is the root of dialogue". Without knowledge, there is no engagement.

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The Broader Impact

The digital divide has profound implications for the continent, touching on almost every aspect of life:

·?????? Economic Exclusion: The economic potential of Africa is enormous, but its growth is being stifled by this divide. In today’s world, much of commerce happens online. E-commerce platforms, digital payment systems, and gig economy jobs are all inaccessible to people without reliable internet connections. This is like trying to cross a river without a canoe. As the Swahili say, "If you don’t repair the crack, you’ll build a wall". Ignoring this divide only deepens economic disparities.

·?????? Education: The pandemic showed us the importance of the internet in education. Students in urban areas could continue their studies online, while those in rural or underserved areas were left behind. The Yorubas say: "An elder who has no foresight, whatever a child sees in the load, the elder will miss too". This proverb speaks to the missed opportunities in education that perpetuate generational inequality. Students in many African communities are losing out because of the lack of digital infrastructure.

·?????? Healthcare: In a continent where healthcare systems are often overstretched, the potential of telemedicine is massive. But how can a patient in rural Chad or Liberia access online consultations if they don’t even have a mobile network? It is like the Yoruba saying, "What we have not seen cannot surpass the sun." The gap in healthcare will continue to widen if digital access is not prioritized.

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Solutions to the Divide

So, how do we cross this proverbial river? It’s like the Igbo say, "A book does not have just one path"). The solution to the digital divide is not a one-size-fits-all model. It requires a multi-pronged approach:

·?????? Public-Private Partnerships: Governments and telecom providers must work together to ensure that infrastructure reaches rural and underserved areas. This is not just a corporate responsibility but a national priority.

·?????? Affordable Access: Telecom companies must offer affordable data plans and lower the cost of smartphones. "A big tree does not shield the whole village," as the Yoruba say. Lowering prices will allow more people to participate in the digital ecosystem.

·?????? Digital Literacy Programs: Governments should invest in digital literacy programs that teach people how to use technology effectively. This will not only empower individuals but help communities to thrive.

·?????? Innovative Technologies: Solutions like satellite broadband and low-cost 5G should be explored to reach remote areas. We must think beyond traditional infrastructure to find new ways of providing access.

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Conclusion: Crossing the River Together

In closing, the African proverb says, "When you have conquered the hill, you celebrate at the base" . Africa is standing at the base of the hill, looking upward at a world connected by invisible digital strings. But until we bridge the digital divide, our celebration of growth, prosperity, and inclusion will remain incomplete. Now is the time to act—before the river becomes an ocean too wide to cross.

Like the Africans say, "One tree does not make a forest". It will take the collective efforts of governments, telecom companies, civil society, and international organizations to ensure that no one is left behind in this digital age. Let us cross this river together—so that Africa can stand tall in the global digital community.