In an era where digital technologies have become indispensable, the need to bridge the digital divide has
emerged as one of the critical challenges facing the world. Countries are making an effort to foster
equitable access to information and communication technologies (ICT). Digital inclusion offers a number
of opportunities including job opportunities, education and greater access to information. However,
though there are several benefits that can be derived from digital inclusion, the journey from digital
exclusion to digital inclusion is one that is complex to navigate for most countries around the globe. This
article aims to compare digital inclusion initiatives in two distinct yet interconnected regions, Africa and
the United States of America (US).

Africa, with its rich, diverse cultures and varied landscapes, faces distinct challenges in pursuing digital
inclusion. The region is distinguished by its wide range of socio-economic conditions, from rapidly growing
tech hubs in urban areas to remote rural areas with limited infrastructure. The challenges the African
continent faces with regards to digital access relate to a lack of adequate internet coverage, high internet
costs, and people not using digital platforms effectively for their own growth. There are not enough
partnerships helping to bring new digital tools to remote areas, as well as a lack of inclusive policies for
digital access. Therefore, not many good ideas to expand and improve internet access are being executed.

However, despite the challenges Africa is facing in bridging the digital divide, the continent has made
significant progress in recent years. According to the World Bank Group, over 160 million Africans gained
broadband internet access between 2019 and 2022, contributing to a 115% increase in internet users in
Sub-Saharan Africa between 2016 and 2021. To address the digital skills gap, organisations like Youth
Action International are implementing digital literacy programmes in countries like Liberia and Sierra
Leone, with plans to expand these initiatives to other African countries. Furthermore, the African Union
has developed a comprehensive Digital Transformation Strategy to digitally empower people across the
continent by 2030. This strategy envisions providing safe and secure access to the internet, with speeds
of at least 6 Mbps, available everywhere on the continent at an affordable cost of no more than 1 US cent
per megabyte. Additionally, the strategy outlines the production of smart devices within Africa, priced at
no more than $100, to enable easy access to basic e-services and content, with at least 30% of this content
being developed and hosted within Africa.

The US, despite being one of the wealthiest and most influential countries in the world, continues to
grapple with significant challenges in achieving comprehensive digital inclusion. Global Citizen states that
about 40% of black Americans living in rural areas have no internet in their homes. In addition, according
to B Ehimuan, the economic divide and varying levels of digital literacy pose substantial obstacles to
universal connectivity across the country.

However, the Federal Communications Commission, through its initiatives such as the Connect America
Fund and the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, aims to expand broadband access in parts of the country
that are underserved. Services such as Comcast’s Internet Essentials offer affordable internet services to
low-income households. Tech giants are also actively working to bridge the digital divide, thereby
empowering underserved communities through philanthropy and corporate social responsibility
initiatives. To address the skills gap, programmes such as Everyone On are available to empower
individuals and organisations with essential digital skills, while many schools and educational institutions
are incorporating technology into their learning.

In conclusion, both regions, Africa and the US are facing challenges bridging the digital gap between urban
and rural communities. This has an impact on access to digital economic opportunities, education and
many other benefits that are derived from digital inclusion. Affordability has remained a common
challenge for low-income communities in both regions, as well as lack of internet access in rural areas.
Africa and the US can collaborate in bridging the digital divide through various initiatives, and this can
include American companies working together to provide digital literacy programmes and the US
government working with African governments to develop policies that will promote digital innovation
while ensuring data privacy and the protection of intellectual property. A collaboration between the two
continents could create a more digitally inclusive environment and promote economic growth, social
development and innovation in the two regions.

By David Sethathi