Africa requires $100b for quality internet

Africa requires $100 billion in investment to achieve universal and affordable internet access by 2030, according to a recent report by the World Bank.

The report said the continent will be required to bring about 1.1 billion more people online to achieve universal broadband coverage.

While the number of broadband connections in Africa crossed the 400-million mark in 2018, the report found that the average broadband penetration rate for the region was 25 percent.

Additionally, only 70 percent of the population have access to mobile broadband.

The World Bank has called for urgent action to close the internet access gap while providing a roadmap to reach the goal.

Makhtar Diop, the World Bank's vice-president for infrastructure, said the digital agenda is first and foremost a growth and jobs agenda.

"Broadening internet access means creating millions of job opportunities," he said.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin, executive director of the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, said: "In large parts of Africa, we are witnessing a lack of progress in extending access and network coverage. Affordability is also declining in many nations. Promoting greater digital inclusion is going to require more effective and innovative collaboration."

She said governments can help with policies enabling new technologies, new business models and investment.

Hafez Ghanem, the World Bank's vice-president for the Africa region, called for partnerships between all the stakeholders to realize Africa's 2030 target and share the burden of the $100 billion investment funding.