We live in a world [PRESQUE] super connected. Digital is part of everyday life [PRESQUE] all: work, study, manage finances, socialize or play. The global health crisis has accelerated digital transformation, anchoring new uses [PRESQUE] all over the globe. The inclusion of all in this privileged world for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals is, finally, [PRESQUE]a reality.
45% of the world’s population does not use mobile internet (4 billion people). 5%, or 400 million individuals, are not covered by mobile broadband. This coverage gap was reduced by a single point per year during the 2018-2021 period. This reflects the difficulty of covering the remaining population which is mainly in poor and rural areas. Even in covered areas, 40% of the population (3.4 billion) do not use mobile internet. The prices of smartphones and internet offers remain expensive given the purchasing power. The lack of the necessary skills is another significant obstacle to the use of digital technology.[i]
Digital exclusion can quickly turn into a form of social exclusion. Unicef considers it a new form of poverty.[ii] Indeed, a child excluded from access to information and communication is not able to develop his full potential. It is a matter of children’s rights and equal access to information and opportunities. Almost a third (27%) of students worldwide have not been able to benefit from distance learning during the confinement.[iii]
In addition to education, administrative services are becoming increasingly digital. Not being able to access them only widens the divide and its social and economic impact. Digital is also becoming a vehicle for accessing financial services for unbanked populations. Mobile Money has increased the financial inclusion rate from 51% in 2011 to 71% in 2022.[iv] Populations without digital access see their opportunities for access to money transfers, micro-credits or subsidies reduced.
The non-digitalised are also deprived of access to information, job opportunities and the wealth of cultural content that is exchanged mainly via social networks. A form of social and cultural exclusion that should not be overlooked.
So what are the strategies to remedy digital exclusion in the world? read part two to learn more.
Samia El Hanchi
[i] The-State-of-Mobile-Internet-Connectivity-Report-2022.pdf (gsma.com)
[ii] GSMA | How can we best measure digital inclusion? | Mobile for Development
[iii] Covid-19: Are children able to continue learning during school closures?
[iv] Global Findex Report
