The Widening Gap: Understanding Digital Poverty in Least Developed Countries

Millions are being left behind in the digital age, with digital poverty increasingly entrenched in the global society of least developed countries (LDCs). As we advance into the fourth industrial revolution, the gap between the digitally connected and the disconnected is becoming alarmingly pronounced. Interestingly, while nearly a fifth of the world’s population lives in LDCs, almost 70% of their total population still lacks internet access.

Background

Digital poverty in the least developed countries threatens to deepen global socio-economic inequalities and prevents individuals from fully participating in the global economy. The situation is stark in places like Senegal, where around 80% of the populace cannot utilize the internet for professional purposes, and in Rwanda, this statistic climbs to an alarming 99%. Even in nations like Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda, merely 10% of businesses have access to computers.

As technologies develop at a breakneck speed in more affluent countries, LDCs struggle to keep up. For instance, while 5G technology is becoming standard in many developed regions, LDCs often remain limited to 2G and 3G networks, highlighting the extent of the digital divide and its adverse impacts on education, employment, and economic growth.

About Digital Poverty

Digital poverty encompasses restricted or no access to vital digital resources, including the internet, computers, and mobile devices. It also includes digital illiteracy, where individuals lack the necessary skills or knowledge to effectively utilize online tools. The phenomenon exists on a spectrum; some people may have limited access, while others might be entirely shut out from technological benefits.

Globally, around 3.7 billion people are without internet access, with sub-Saharan Africa extraordinarily affected. Vulnerable populations—such as women, the elderly, and those with diminished educational backgrounds—face the brunt of this issue.

Key Contributing Factors

The roots of digital poverty are deep and multifaceted:

• High Costs: Internet services and digital devices remain financially out of reach for many in LDCs.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Unstable electricity supply and insufficient Information and Communication Technology (ICT) frameworks hinder internet expansion.
• Limited Education: Many individuals lack the ability to navigate digital technologies due to inadequate education, which perpetuates ignorance about the benefits of being online, according to experts.
• Content Accessibility: A lack of digital resources in local languages further complicates access to the internet in these regions.

The Impact

The ramifications of digital poverty are far-reaching, particularly concerning individuals’ earning potential. Research from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) indicates that more than 80% of middle-skilled jobs—which offer higher wages—depend on technological proficiency and access to digital platforms. Conversely, lower-skilled positions, which do not necessitate these competencies, generally offer lower pay. This creates a vicious cycle where those trapped in digital poverty continue to pursue lower-income jobs, inhibiting their educational opportunities and further entrenching their circumstances.

In LDCs, this stagnation could hamper a nation’s economic progress, limiting citizens’ opportunities and mobility while also reducing their ability to engage in national and global online trade.

Digital Poverty: Solutions

Innovative solutions are emerging to tackle the digital divide. Amazon’s Project Kuiper is one such initiative, launching a low-cost satellite internet service designed to provide broadband access to underserved areas. Although specific costs have yet to be disclosed, its projected 3,232 satellite constellation aims to deliver speeds similar to those of 4G internet, addressing critical infrastructure limitations faced by LDCs.

Additionally, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) initiated the Doha Program of Action (DPoA) in 2022, which is set to run until 2031. This strategic framework seeks to enhance digital accessibility in LDCs through five essential steps: government engagement, tailored digital solutions, result-driven roadmaps, improved technical capacity, and sharing of skills and expertise.

These frameworks echo past successes where policies focused on equitable digital solutions and infrastructure collaboration yielded tangible progress.

Digital Literacy Workshops

Empowering individuals with digital skills is fundamental for overcoming the barriers of digital poverty. For example, in Bangladesh, the UNDP facilitated digital literacy workshops aimed at female entrepreneurs, enhancing their income-generating capabilities. In a similar vein, a partnership in Nepal between the UNDP and a local bank aimed to equip women from rural communities with the skills needed for online transactions.

Another noteworthy initiative in Afghanistan improved the digital payment system, resulting in heightened financial inclusion and better synchronization of financial services. These examples underscore the pivotal role that global partnerships can play in enhancing access to the digital economy and uplifting local communities.

The Future

Bridging the digital divide is more than just improving internet access; it plays a critical role in global poverty reduction. Enhanced internet connectivity can stimulate entrepreneurship, job creation, and access to essential financial services. Notably, over 25% of the global population currently lacks access to banking, which stifles economic mobility; however, with the right initiatives, this could change.

Expanding digital access can significantly boost economies by improving sectors such as trade, education, and healthcare. Closing the digital divide stands to foster international economic growth—benefiting both developing and developed nations.

To bridge this gap, international collaboration is paramount. While recent technological advancements offer glimmers of hope, sustained investment in digital infrastructure, thorough policy reform, and targeted educational efforts will be crucial for ensuring long-lasting success.