For many of us, a life without internet is barely imaginable. We are connected around the clock and use gigabytes of data every day. From our position of privilege, it can be hard to conceive that around half the world’s population still does not have access to the internet1.
This ‘digital divide’ excludes around 3.7 billion people from the digital economy, widening existing social and economic divides. The correlation between digital exclusion and social exclusion is well established, and it's something that affects both developing and developed economies.
No connectivity means no access to new and better jobs, to extended learning
opportunities, to better products and services and no access to the increasing amount of information that can be found only online.
On the other side of the coin, it means employers are missing out on a huge pool of potential talent – a vast group of bright minds who could be making a positive contribution to the workplace.
Connecting everyone, everywhere is essential for an equitable world.
1. UNESCO: The State of Broadband 2020
Closing the digital divide is not just about philanthropy. Philanthropy relies on a continued ability to give goods and services for free. Inclusive, equitable, profit-making business models are truly sustainable, bringing opportunity both locally and globally – catalyzing new opportunities and opening new markets.
Businesses typically focus on mature markets paying premium prices, but emerging economies offer wide addressable markets and sound investment opportunities. In 2020, mobile technologies and services generated more than $130 billion of added economic value (8% of Gross Domestic Product) in Sub-Saharan Africa alone, according to the GSMA. This is set to reach $155 billion by 20252.
By thinking beyond typical markets, we can help individuals achieve their potential, transform communities, and drive social and economic growth.
2 GSMA: The Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2021
