Bridging the Digital Gender Divide in Africa: Empowering Girls for the Digital AgeIn today’s digital era, access to technology is not just a convenience it is a lifeline to education, career opportunities, and social empowerment. Yet, across Africa, millions of girls remain excluded from this digital revolution. Despite rapid growth in Africa’s digital economy, with projections that 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030, the gender gap in access and skills persists. Recent studies show that 46% of men in Africa use the internet compared to just 34% of women, , while in many low-income countries, an alarming 90% of adolescent girls remain offline, compared with 78% of boys. This imbalance not only limits girls’ ability to learn and thrive but also threatens to widen inequalities in education and employment as the region moves further into a digital future.  Why Digital Access for Girls in Africa MattersIn Africa today, the power of digitalisation cannot be overstated, it’s a key driver of education, equity, and economic progress. Yet, the continent’s digital transformation is leaving too many girls behind. In 2021, UN Women reported that 3.7 billion people lacked internet access, and that over half of them were women reflecting a broader, ongoing global digital gender divide. This digital exclusion has profound implications. Without reliable internet or connected devices, girls miss out on online learning, STEM education, and remote work opportunities all of which are essential for social mobility and economic empowerment. Barriers Hindering Digital Inclusion1. Economic HurdlesHigh costs continue to block digital access for many girls and women. A Cherie Blair Foundation report revealed that 45% of women entrepreneurs in developing countries lack regular internet access due to expense and poor connectivity, despite 92% owning smartphones. These economic constraints limit their capacity to learn, earn, and engage online meaningfully. 2. Infrastructure Gaps and Connectivity ChallengesMany African regions still face unreliable or absent internet access. Mobile broadband the main pathway to connectivity reaches only 27% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa, the lowest penetration rate globally. Even as coverage improves, gender disparities persist: women in the region are still 29% less likely than men to use mobile internet, leaving more than 200 million women unconnected. 3. Social Norms and Cultural ConstraintsIn many communities, entrenched gender norms restrict girls’ access to technology, often controlling their access to devices or framing internet use as risky or inappropriate. A UNESCO-led study found that beyond infrastructure, cultural expectations around safety, mobility, and acceptable feminine roles frequently restrict girls’ digital engagement. Watch: The Mobile Gender Gap Report 2025 - GSMA Highlights Source: GSMA This video from GSMA explores the persistent gender gap in mobile internet access across Africa, spotlighting the economic, infrastructural, and social barriers that keep millions of women offline. Bridging the Digital Divide: Empowering Girls in AfricaAcross Africa, the digital divide has long limited opportunities for young women and girls. Today, however, a wave of initiatives is changing that story by combining technology access, education, and advocacy to create real impact. 1. Building Digital LiteracySource: Global Perspectives Initiative From coding boot camps to computer literacy workshops, organizations are equipping girls with the skills they need to thrive in tech-driven industries. Online education platforms are also opening doors, preparing a new generation of women to lead in STEM fields and beyond. 2. Expanding Access Through Affordable DevicesSource: Mastercard Foundation Tech companies and non-profits are joining forces to make smartphones, laptops, and tablets more affordable. For many girls, owning a device is the first step toward online learning, digital entrepreneurship, and participation in the global digital economy. 3. Inspiring Success StoriesReal-world examples highlight the transformative power of digital access:
Together, these efforts are not only narrowing the digital divide but also redefining what’s possible for women in Africa’s digital future. The Future – Closing the Gender Digital Gap in AfricaAfrica’s digital future is growing fast, with over 615 million internet users projected by 2025. But millions of girls are still being left behind. While 52 African governments have pledged to improve girls' digital access, fewer than 30 have implemented national strategies that truly prioritise girls' inclusion in tech and education. Why It MattersWithout access to the internet and digital education, girls lose out on learning, career opportunities, and the chance to become future leaders. Here’s what needs to change:
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