Africa Faces Potential Decades-Long Digital Gap

The head of Ethio telecom, Frehiwot Tamru, expressed concerns about the pace of technological advancement in Africa. She warned that current, fragmented policy approaches risk prolonged digital exclusion across the continent.

Speaking at the GSMA Ministerial Roundtable during Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Tamru emphasized the need for a more comprehensive and integrated development model.

Data Collection Challenges

Frehiwot Tamru noted a significant gap in data available to assess digital progress in Africa. The reluctance of many African nations to provide detailed data for the GSMA’s Digital Africa Index has created an incomplete picture, impacting investment and policy decisions.

A Shift in Approach

Tamru criticized the traditional sequential approach to addressing the digital divide—focusing on coverage, then affordability, and finally relevance. She argued that this linear method is unsustainable and will not close the gap within a reasonable timeframe. Instead, she advocated for a synchronized model that integrates network development, device subsidies, local innovation, and adaptable regulations.

Redefining the Telecom Sector

Tamru called for regulators to reconsider the role of telecom operators. She stated that viewing them solely as commercial providers of minutes and data limits their potential contribution to national development. She proposed a shift towards co-creative regulation, developed in partnership with operators, to encourage infrastructure investment and economic growth.

The Usage Gap and Potential Economic Impact

Despite 4G coverage reaching approximately 84% of the African population, a substantial portion remains offline due to the high cost of devices. Ethiopia is participating in a GSMA pilot program to introduce 4G smartphones priced under $40, which is seen as a key initiative to address this “usage gap.” Industry data suggests that connecting the under-connected African population could add an estimated $700 billion to the continent’s GDP by the end of the decade.