More than 900 million people in Nigeria and other African countries remain offline, a situation the World Bank says continues to slow down inclusive growth across the continent. Bridging this digital divide is increasingly seen as a way to democratize access to education, health, financial services, and markets. According to development experts, reducing digital exclusion can lower inequality, empower communities, and create millions of jobs in the coming years. The latest observations suggest that Africa’s digital future depends heavily on expanding both access and digital skills, especially for its fast-growing youth population.
The conversation around this shift starts with a simple question: What if Africa’s greatest wealth was not its minerals, oil, or land, but rather its youth? With 60 percent of its population under the age of 25, many see the continent as full of energy, creativity, and potential. Yet in a world increasingly shaped by digital technologies and artificial intelligence, millions of young Africans remain disconnected due to limited opportunities. Officials and researchers describe this as more than a missed opportunity, calling it a clear signal that immediate action is needed.
Current projections show that by 2030, Sub-Saharan Africa could create up to 230 million digital jobs as digital services continue expanding. Policymakers agree that the potential is huge, but the challenge lies in unlocking it across countries and regions.
In 2024, internet penetration in Africa reached 40 percent, rising significantly from 3.2 percent in 2005. Today, more than 600 million people use mobile broadband services. Even with this progress, the World Bank notes that more than 900 million people remain offline, and 76 percent of the population faces what experts call a usage gap. This means many people live in areas where the network is available but still lack the skills or financial means to use digital services. In rural areas, only 28 percent of residents have internet access.
Officials say bridging this digital divide is both a social and economic priority. They argue that digitalization is changing access to public services, helping more people reach education, health facilities, financial tools, and markets. Analysts point out that international submarine cables and wider mobile broadband coverage have already helped raise incomes and expand labor participation in several African countries. The broader effects on agriculture, industry, and tourism are expected to continue reshaping national economies.
Across West and Central Africa, several examples show how digital transformation can become a driver of development. In Benin, more than 250 public services are already available online, and 68 municipalities have been connected to fiber optics. Mobile coverage now reaches 92 percent of the country. Community-based training programs have also helped thousands of citizens gain digital skills. The World Bank highlighted the experience of Awa, a high school student who now accesses online learning and mentorship platforms. Her story shows how digital inclusion can open new paths in education, entrepreneurship, and civic participation.
Experts say these successes should not remain isolated stories. Nearly 700 million Africans still do not use the internet, even when coverage exists. As one analyst explained, “Access alone is not enough. Data must be affordable, services must be relevant, and digital education needs to be stronger.”
These issues will shape discussions at the Regional Summit on Digital Transformation in West and Central Africa, set for November 17–18, 2025, in Cotonou, Benin. Leaders, private sector players, and civil society groups will focus on the region’s usage gap, opportunities linked to AI, and the progress toward a single digital market.
The African AI market is currently valued at around $2 billion and is growing through startup activity and expanding consumer-focused digital services. However, stakeholders emphasize that true development goes beyond adoption. They argue that Africa must adapt and create its own ethical, locally relevant AI solutions. In Benin, AI is already being used in agriculture, health, education, and public administration. A notable example is a Fon language speech recognition model designed to improve access for rural and older populations. Similar innovations in other African countries show rising momentum in the digital space.
To support these trends, experts are calling for stronger investments in STEM education, infrastructure, and regulatory systems. The African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy for 2020–2030 outlines a regional roadmap toward a unified digital marketplace that could expand e-commerce, cross-border payments, and digital trade. Africa’s e-commerce sector, already worth more than $50 billion in 2024, is expected to grow by at least 10 percent each year. Achieving this will require better regional connectivity, cross-border data flows, interoperable platforms, and strong cybersecurity and data protection rules.
The upcoming Cotonou summit is expected to renew commitments to digital inclusion, AI development, and job creation across West and Central Africa. Governments and partners, including the World Bank, are forming new partnerships and mobilizing investments through digital compacts. Organizers say the summit will ensure broad participation, allowing governments to lead reforms, the private sector to drive innovation, and young people to contribute ideas and creativity.
