Globally, nearly 2.2 billion young people under 25 do not have access to the internet at home. This is the main lesson from the latest report co-authored by Unicef ​​and the International Telecommunication Union. But obviously, regional disparities are strong.

“The most significant disparities in terms of home internet access are observed among children and young people in sub-Saharan African countries, particularly in terms of household wealth and residence in rural areas compared to urban areas,” the study noted. 

Here Is What You Need To Know

• According to data provided by the document, 642 million young people under 25, or 90% of this entire age group in sub-Saharan Africa do not have access to the web from their homes.
• When looking at West and Central Africa alone, this percentage rises to 95%.
• According to the report, only about 16% of children in the wealthiest families of West / Central Africa zones have access to the internet against only 1% in the poorest families. In Togo, one of the countries in the zone offering the best access, the gap is widening to reach a ratio of 58%/12%.
• The report also noted that in East and Southern Africa, urban youth have four times greater access than their peers living in rural areas.

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UNICEF AFRICA YOUNG PEOPLE INTERNET UNICEF AFRICA YOUNG PEOPLE INTERNET

A barrier to education and employment

“This digital divide significantly compromises the ability of young people from poor rural households to acquire the skills necessary to build a better future,” noted the report’s authors. 

And this is an even more problematic issue in times of pandemic, when the internet is seen as an education lifeline around the world. 

“The lack of connectivity among the most marginalized populations […] virtually eliminates any chance they might have to participate in the modern economy,” adds Unicef ​​Director Henrietta Fore.

Nevertheless, for more than the majority of 1600 professionals interviewed, the current pandemic is an opportunity for Africa to catch up in this area.

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer