Africa is the least internet-connected continent in the world. Despite programs in South Africa expanding affordable internet access, approximately 17 million people remain unconnected, with low-income users hit the hardest by persistent constraints such as cost, digital skills and locally relevant content. Private sector approaches to growing the availability of affordable internet access fall short when their business models prioritize user acquisition and continuous consumption over meaningful engagement of unconnected groups. As a result, expanded access has not been translating into meaningful economic participation in low-income African communities, exacerbating a growing “participation gap.”
A non-private sector approach could be the solution to address this participation gap and increase Africa’s connectivity; for example, South Africa’s community-centred connectivity initiatives have proven to sustainably support connectivity access that is integrated with skills development and community economic empowerment. In spite of constraints on these initiatives, the principles of meaningful connectivity could be embedded in any approach, including private sector operations, increasing their accessibility and resilience.
