This means most Africans who could be online are not. Coverage exists, usage does not. Across 39 African countries surveyed last year, only 31% of respondents used the internet daily, and just 47% owned a smartphone. 

At the same time, two-thirds of Africans have no access to a household computer, limiting their ability to engage in anything beyond basic messaging or social media

That gap, between availability and usage, is now the most important digital problem on the continent. It is no longer a problem of cables, towers, or signal strength, but rather whether people, businesses, and institutions can turn digital tools into something useful.

Usage is the next digital divide, and it is already determining who grows, who competes, and who’s left behind.

Access is No Longer the Hard Part

Over the past decade, Africa has done what many thought was impossible. Mobile networks expanded at speed, smartphones became cheaper, cloud services, productivity software, and digital platforms are now accessible to even small firms and public institutions.

In many countries, the basic infrastructure problem has been solved faster than expected. Large parts of Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and Rwanda now sit under reliable mobile broadband coverage. Even rural areas are no longer entirely disconnected.

But then, when you look beyond map coverage, you see something entirely different.

Millions of people with network access use their phones mainly for calls, messaging, or entertainment. Many small businesses own digital tools they barely touch. Government platforms exist but see limited traffic. Schools have devices but lack the skills to integrate them into learning.

Access opened the door, but most people never walked through it.

The Digital Usage Gap is Where Value is Lost

Usage is where economic value is created, or not.

A farmer with internet access does not benefit unless they know how to find price information, weather data, or digital marketplaces. A small retailer gains little from a payment app if they cannot track sales, manage inventory, or understand customer data. A ministry can digitise services, but without trained staff and clear processes, the systems sit idle.

This is why the usage gap is just as important as the access gap.

Recent surveys across African countries show that while mobile phone ownership is high, regular, productive internet use is still low, especially beyond urban centres. Computer access is even more limited, which restricts skills development, content creation, and higher-value digital work.

What we are seeing is not a lack of technology, but a lack of execution capability, the ability to apply digital tools to problems, consistently and at scale.

Execution is Becoming the Advantage

Execution sounds far-reaching, but you see it in everyday decisions.

Whether a company trains staff beyond basic onboarding, or leadership understands what tools are for, not just what they cost, or if digital projects move from pilot stage into everyday operations.

Two organisations can buy the same software, one improves productivity, and the other sees no change. The difference is barely the tool, but the people, the processes, and the decisions around it.

Across Africa, a small group of firms and institutions are beginning to pull ahead not because they have better access, but because they use what they have better. They invest in skills, measure results, and adapt quickly when something does not work.

This is execution as a competitive edge, and it is harder to copy than infrastructure.

Why Africa is Especially Exposed

Africa’s risk is not that it lacks technology, but that skills and systems are not keeping pace with access.

Education systems still move slowly compared to how fast digital tools change. Many graduates enter the workforce without practical digital skills, even when they are comfortable with smartphones. 

Businesses usually adopt tools without changing how work is organised. Governments prioritise platforms over people.

There is also a policy lag, with digital progress still measured by access indicators including coverage, subscriptions, and device numbers, because they are easy to track. Usage, capacity, and productivity are harder to measure, and harder to fix.

The result is a divide; the few who know how to execute, and the many who are digitally present but economically stuck.

This is Not a Motivation Problem

It is important to be clear about this. Low usage is not about laziness or resistance to technology.

Cost is a limitation for many, data is still expensive relative to income, local content is limited, language is important, trust is important, but skills are the most important of all.

If people do not see clear value, they will not use digital tools as they should, with depth, even when access exists. Usage follows relevance, not infrastructure.

That is why closing the usage gap requires a different approach, one focused on skills, local solutions, and visible economic results.

What Happens if We Get This Wrong

If Africa fails to close the digital usage and execution gap, the consequences will be uneven growth.

A narrow group of firms, cities, and individuals will thrive. The rest will remain connected in name but excluded. Digital tools will exist, but their benefits will concentrate instead of spreading.

If we get it right, the opposite happens. Productivity improves, small businesses scale, public services work better, and young people gain skills that travel across borders.

The difference between these futures is usage, not access.

So…

Africa’s digital sustainability isn’t dependent on how many people can get online. That phase is ending.

It’s those who can use digital tools well to learn, to build, to compete, and to bring results.

Execution is becoming the key advantage. The only thing left to face is whether we are preparing enough people to take it.

This was revealed during the inaugural Rural Connectivity Summit organised by Business Metrics, in Lagos, where Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), stressed that connectivity is far more than speed, it’s about economic inclusion.

“The accurate measure of connectivity is not in megabits per second, but in the economic value it creates or loses,” said Dr Aminu Maida, whose keynote address was delivered by Tunji Jimoh, Zonal Controller of the NCC Lagos Office.

At the event, themed “Rethinking Digital Connectivity to Unlock Rural Economic Potential,” he described connectivity as “an indispensable part of life,” noting that when it fails, “opportunities stop, and lives can be at risk.”

Dr Maida noted that despite progress, rural Nigeria is digitally invisible, with internet access still at 23% compared to 57% in urban areas. This gap, he explained, cuts off millions from modern education, markets, healthcare, and financial services, a situation he called “unacceptable and unsustainable.”

Research shows that a 10% increase in broadband penetration can drive 1.38% GDP growth in developing economies. However, Nigeria’s broadband penetration as of August 2025 stood at 48.81%, below its potential. 

While coverage has expanded, with 3G and 4G networks reaching 86.34%, usage and household access remain at 39.2% and 40.1% respectively.

Nigeria’s ICT Development Index (IDI) score also exposes this imbalance. At 52.9, the country ranks 137th out of 164 economies, following far behind the global average of 77.6 and Africa’s 56.1.

To tackle these challenges, Dr Maida outlined NCC’s ongoing initiatives through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF). The Fund has financed over 2,500 educational projects and delivered 100,000 computers to schools nationwide.

One unique project is the Emerging Technology Centre at Ogun State Institute of Technology, where more than 9,000 students now have access to digital tools for innovation.

Beyond education, the USPF’s e-Health Project connects rural clinics to larger hospitals for remote consultations, while the e-Accessibility Project provides persons with disabilities with assistive technology. 

To ensure sustainability, the NCC has also launched the Impact Alliance, a partnership network involving private sector players, civil society, and international bodies, to co-invest in inclusive connectivity.

In response to the sabotage of telecom infrastructure, Dr Maida highlighted the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Order, signed by the President in June 2024, empowering law enforcement to protect telecom assets. 

“Our advocacy has led to 11 states offering zero charges for right-of-way permits,” he said, adding that 70 others have aligned with the national benchmark of ₦145 per linear metre.

The Commission has also been working with mobile network operators, global partners like GSMA and the World Bank, and the Office of the National Security Adviser to safeguard telecom assets and promote affordable broadband deployment.

“We stand at a strategic crossroads. The global digital race is accelerating, and we must act decisively to ensure our youth are creators, not consumers, of digital value,” Dr Maida said.

He urged governors to support right-of-way reforms, operators to speed up rural rollouts, and communities to protect telecom infrastructure. “These assets are their bridge between backwardness and global relevance,” he stated.

With over 45% of Nigeria’s population still living in rural areas, the NCC wants digital inclusion to go beyond policies, it is a national strategy for growth.

The launch held at Providence Hotel Ikeja GRA, at the weekend, doubled as the official announcement of the strategic partnership between the two companies which is aimed to revolutionize the Nigerian smartphone market.

Speaking of the partnership, Mr. Taofeek Akinlolu, group head, Mobile Business for TD Africa, stated that ZTE’s dedication to innovation and commitment to development of topnotch mobile technology that empowers users, informed why they’re incredibly proud to partner with them to introduce these remarkable devices to the African market.

While citing the recently released data from International Data Corporation (IDC) which shows that smartphone shipment surpassed feature shipment for the first time in Q1 2024, Akinlolu noted that this is indictive of how dynamic African markets has become.

According to him,

“This report shows that Africa represents a dynamic and rapidly growing market beaming with potentials, with a young techy savvy population and increasing internet penetration.

“The continent offers a fertile ground for innovative mobile devices. This presents a unique opportunity for ZTE and TD Africa to bridge the digital divide and empower users with advanced technology and tap into a market poised for significant growth”.

On the launch of ZTE’s latest cutting-edge mobile range, he said that the Nubia series would revolutionise mobile experience for users across Africa.

“The Nubia series promises to redefine mobile experience for users across the continent, whether you’re a personal gamer or you love photography or you’re someone who want a powerful and stylish device, Nubia series are perfectly suited for all your needs.”

Mr. Kerwin Ding, CEO of ZTE Nigeria, speaking on the partnership said, that the choice of TD Africa as strategic partner was informed by their vast network in the distribution of telecommunications equipment.

“We choose TD Africa to be our distribution partner because of their extensive experience in the distribution of telecommunications equipment in Africa.

“This exciting collaboration will bring our innovative devices to the vibrant African market.

“Together with TD Africa’s extensive network, we’re confident we can deliver exceptional mobile experience to a whole new generation across Africa.”

On the unveiling, he averred that the devices were meticulously crafted for optimum performance that would ensure seamless connectivity, empower users in every imaginable way.

The phone launched:

ZTE V60 Design

This phone is a dream come true for those who crave a stylish and powerful device. It boasts a sleek design and top-notch features, perfect for the modern user.

Nubia Neo2

Gamers, rejoice! The Nubia Neo2 is built to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience with lifelike graphics and blazing-fast performance.

Nubia Focus Pro

Capture life’s moments in stunning detail with the Nubia Focus Pro. This camera powerhouse is equipped with the latest technology and 5G speed, letting you download and stream content seamlessly.

Earlier, Chioma Chimere, Coordinating Managing Director of TD Africa, speaking on the partnership, said that it marks a significant step for both companies.

According to her,

“This partnership marks a new chapter for mobile technology in Africa. By combining TD Africa’s vast network with ZTE’s innovative technology, we’re redefining the mobile industry and offering exceptional value to our customers.

“With TD Africa’s extensive distribution network, these innovative phones will be readily available for purchase online and at retail stores nationwide. Get ready to experience the future of mobile technology in Nigeria.”

Inuwa made this statement while declaring open, the ‘One-Day Free Training on Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship’ in Abuja, as part of activities to commemorate the 2023 International Women’s Day.

The event’s theme, “Digital Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality,” was aimed at training women between the ages of 18 and 30 on Digital Marketing and 3D printing.

Represented by Dr. Usman Gambo Abdullahi, Director of IT Infrastructure Solutions, Inuwa noted that the policy implementation was increasingly recording success by ensuring that the digital skills training program incorporated children, women, internally displaced persons, and the physically challenged.

He emphasized that women are the best teachers of digital transformation and education, adding that the agency had taken many steps to drive the nation’s prosperity by boosting digital innovation for women and creating an enabling environment that maximizes the potential of all Nigerian women.

He stated that Nigeria’s female population was about 104 million, and the country had much to gain by facilitating the inclusion of women in the technological industry and bridging the digital gender divide.

“In 2021, the United Nations estimated that Nigeria’s female population was about 104 million out of its over 220 people. As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria has much to gain by facilitating the inclusion of women in the technological industry and bridging the digital gender divide,” he added.

Inuwa further revealed that the Agency has implemented several strategic programs and initiatives, with over 4.4 billion dollars invested in the last four years.

While describing women as the best teachers of digital transformation and education, Inuwa said, “If you are looking for an innovator and you find a woman, you have gotten one. Because the first teacher that one gets is his mother and a mother remains with us from that cradle.”

“Some of our key initiatives designed to support technology innovation are the key technology. I mean the technology, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Support Schemes. These have translated into the creation of a vibrant innovation ecosystem that has created over 35,000 direct jobs.

“As indicated earlier, today’s program is part of our initial plan as part of the agency’s efforts and celebrating this year’s international women’s day,” he said.

Inuwa urged participants to make good use of their smartphones beyond answering calls and sending text messages, adding that they could use their smartphones as an office and make the best use of them to market whatever they are doing and to also get opportunities.

He also advised them to make the best use of the opportunity afforded to them by the agency during the training workshop.

Certificates of Participation were later issued to all the attendees by the Acting Director Digital Literacy and Capacity Development Department of the Agency, Dr. Amina Sambo Magaji.

Aisha Yusuf Mahmoud, one of the beneficiaries, thanked the agency for giving her the opportunity to develop her skills in digital marketing.

Mahmoud said that she couldn’t thank NITDA enough for exposing her and many other young ladies to the opportunities awaiting them in the global digital business environment.

The DCO Ministerial Call for Action, which was issued on behalf of all 13 Member States, recognized the crucial role that the digital economy plays in shaping a more equitable and thriving future and called for increased international dialogue to identify and promote successful approaches, and impactful initiatives that will empower nations to create sustainable, inclusive and equitable growth of the digital economy.

The General Assembly, the first full in-person gathering of the DCO, brought together delegation(s) from the DCO member states, DCO observer partners, and other international stakeholders in the digital economy. The Assembly was also attended by H.E. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Minister of State for Information and Communication Technology, People’s Republic of Bangladesh; and H.E Mohammed Almanni, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, State of Qatar, as guests of the DCO.

The DCO calls for international cooperation to coordinate efforts and develop sustainable solutions that are specifically tailored to address four major concerns; such as policies and regulations, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Digitalization, Digital Skills and Education, and Digital Transformation.

H.E. Ms. Deemah Al Yahya, Secretary-General of the DCO, said: “There is an urgent need to modernize and harmonize digital policies and regulations, support MSMEs, take advantage of the cross-border nature of the digital economy and reduce barriers to access new markets, grow and create new opportunities”.

“Presently, around 36% of the world’s population, or approximately 2.7 billion people, do not have access to the internet. This substantial divide separates those with the means and abilities to participate in the digital economy from those without. We must take collective action to unleash the full potential of the digital age by equipping everyone with the digital skills they need. This can be through a combination of formal education systems, informal training programs, and civil society initiatives that promote continuous learning and upskilling. We must invest in building and enhancing digital skills and reap the rewards for generations to come,” Al Yahya added.

The one-day General Assembly included several strategic announcements around the expansion of the DCO and aligning the organization to accelerate its mission in the future.

Two new Member States, the Republic of The Gambia and the Republic of Ghana, were welcomed to the DCO during the Assembly, as the DCO continues its expansion into Africa to empower nations to develop their digital economies.

The DCO adopted the new Organization Bylaws that will streamline the operations of the Organization and effectively supersede the previously approved Governance Guidebook of 2021.

The DCO approved the formation of a new initiative to empower MSMEs: the STRIDE Association. This initiative will play a pivotal role in catalyzing the growth of MSMEs and start-ups within and between Member States. In addition, the Association will act as a facilitator between the public and the private sectors to make available the needed insights and interventions.

Recognizing the importance of ensuring continuity and efficiency of the DCO’s operations, the Assembly approved the establishment of an Executive Committee, consisting of representatives from the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Sultanate of Oman, with a representative from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the Chairperson until 2030. The committee will help streamline decision-making at DCO.

The DCO also announced the formation of an Observer Committee. Observer Partners, including the private sector, intergovernmental organizations, academic institutions, and other stakeholders in the digital economy, are an essential part of the DCO, and the Observer Committee is intended to increase the impact that Observers can bring to the DCO and ensure that they have a voice in DCO dialogues.

The Ministers and Government Representatives of the Digital Cooperation Organization agreed to launch the DCO 2030 Roadmap to promote common interests and advocate for advanced cooperation on all aspects of the digital economy at local, regional, and global levels between countries and all other stakeholders of the digital economy, including the private sector.

DCO Member States have expressed their gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its dedication and visionary approach to establishing the Organization and for the accomplishments achieved during the Saudi Arabia presidency.

In line with the Charter of the DCO, it was announced that the Kingdom of Bahrain is appointed to the Presidency of the DCO for 2023 and will chair the organization for the coming year and host the next edition of the General Assembly. In 2024, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was endorsed for the DCO presidency in 2024.