NAVIGATING INEQUITIES: ASSESSING ICT DIFFUSION FOR EQUITABLE ACCESS IN AFRICA

Abstract

The pervasive integration of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has emerged as a transformative force, playing a pivotal role in economic analyses and fostering growth globally. However, a significant digital divide persists between developed and developing regions in terms of ICT adoption. This study, utilizing data from Internet World Stats (2017), unravels the pronounced contrast in internet penetration rates, with Africa exhibiting a mere 353 million internet users out of a global population of 3 billion, while Europe boasts a 77% penetration rate. The research navigates the landscape of ICT adoption, emphasizing its critical importance in economic analysis, growth dynamics, and innovation.Grounded in an exploration of pertinent literature and empirical evidence, the study highlights the indispensable role of ICT as a catalyst for economic development, innovation, and productivity enhancement. Moreover, it scrutinizes the multifaceted factors contributing to the glaring disparities in ICT adoption rates between developed and developing nations, encompassing infrastructural limitations, socioeconomic inequalities, and policy frameworks.The implications of this study resonate with policymakers, practitioners, and scholars. By illuminating the intricate dynamics of ICT adoption, the research provides valuable insights for formulating strategies to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive growth. It underscores the urgency of concerted efforts to address the underlying barriers obstructing widespread ICT adoption in developing regions. Addressing these challenges is crucial to unlock the transformative potential of technology, thereby propelling socioeconomic progress and mitigating global disparities.