World Bank
World Bank report highlights low computer ownership in Nigerian households
A recent report by the World Bank has revealed that computer ownership among households in Nigeria is less than 20%.
The report focused on the digital divide between low and high-income countries, emphasizing its impact on the economy, businesses, and income.
The digital trend report for 2023 from the World Bank draws attention to the disparities in digital access across various factors, including gender, age groups, income levels, and rural versus urban populations.
The report highlighted that less than 20% of households in Nigeria own a computer, showcasing the significant digital gap.
While the report indicates progress in internet subscriptions in Nigeria, with a year-on-year increase of 5.81% to 163.8 million between 2022 and 2023, challenges persist.
Structural issues such as poor and inadequate infrastructure and the income levels of the population act as barriers to achieving widespread digital inclusion and connectivity.
The cost of broadband subscriptions has been stable in high and middle-income countries since 2020 but has risen significantly in low-income countries.
The median price of a fixed broadband plan in low-income countries was reported to be 50% higher than in high-income countries as of 2022.
The report also highlighted the cost of smartphones as a barrier to bridging the digital divide, particularly across geographical and income groups.
In low-income countries, the cheapest smartphones cost around 14% of the annual income of individuals living under $2 per day, resulting in lower smartphone ownership compared to high-income countries.
While internet subscriptions have increased in Nigeria, the challenges posed by structural issues and the rising costs of digital devices, including laptops and smartphones, contribute to the persistent digital divide in the country.
”Addressing these barriers is crucial for promoting digital inclusion and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s young and tech-savvy population,” the report stated.
About The Author
