“Digital Access in Africa” summarizes debates about connecting the unconnected in Africa, contributing a mix of analysis, synthesis of research, primary user research, and expert interviews. By examining the limitations of existing mobile industry business models, the report demonstrates the need for new internet access models, especially for those in rural areas, who face a lack of coverage, and those facing affordability obstacles. Next, the report outlines the supply- and demand-side barriers to scaling internet access, including infrastructure costs and lack of support for content in local languages. Finally, the report discusses different methods of measuring the impact of internet access.
Connecting the last four billion users in the world to the internet may well bring wealth and opportunity, but the question remains unanswered whether this will be for the end users, or for a small few platform owners, none of whom will likely reside within Africa.
Contributors Chris Locke, Dr. Jonathan Donner, Dr. Savita Bailur, Bryan Pon, Francis Hook, Amba Kak
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