WASHINGTON, June 27, 2024 – A new program aimed at benefiting over 180 million people by 2032 is set to significantly increase internet access and the inclusive use of digitally enabled services in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Digitalization is considered a potent tool for eradicating poverty. However, the Eastern and Southern Africa region has one of the slowest digitalization rates globally, with only 64 percent of the population covered by high-speed internet and just 24 percent using the internet as of 2023. To accelerate digitalization, more integrated digital markets are needed as digitalization thrives on economies of scale and network effects.
The Inclusive Digitalization in Eastern and Southern Africa (IDEA) Program is a $2.48 billion financing initiative funded through the International Development Association (IDA) and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). It aims to bring together 15 countries and Regional Economic Communities to address challenges such as limited internet coverage due to infrastructure gaps, high data costs, limited digital skills, and lack of digital identification for online transactions.
“IDEA is a holistic program that will unleash opportunities for hundreds of millions of Africans to actively participate in and contribute to the advancement of the region’s digital economies. This effort underscores the critical importance of public and private sector partnerships in driving sustainable economic growth,” said Victoria Kwakwa, Vice President for the World Bank’s Eastern and Southern Africa region.
The IDEA program will be implemented over eight years in phases, initially targeting countries with less than 50 percent high-speed internet access. Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Malawi will participate in the first phase, providing new broadband internet access to over 50 million people combined. Additional countries are expected to join subsequent phases based on their eligibility. The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) will lead regional coordination.
“The IDEA program will support participating countries and COMESA Member States in enhancing digital infrastructure and skills to foster productive use of digitalization towards economic growth,” said H.E Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, Secretary General of COMESA.
IDEA focuses on three technical pillars: expanding broadband access; deploying interoperable digital public infrastructure; advancing digitally enabled applications; services; capabilities; promoting economic opportunities for women; fostering gender equality; maximizing climate co-benefits given regional exposure to climate change. A fourth pillar emphasizes project management capacity building.
The World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), established in 1960, helps low-income countries by providing grants low-interest loans for projects programs that boost economic growth reduce poverty improve lives. IDA has provided $552 billion since its inception with about $36 billion annually over recent years going primarily to African nations.
About the World Bank Group: The World Bank Group aims to create a world free from poverty on a livable planet by providing financing advice innovative solutions across more than 100 countries focusing on job creation strengthening economic growth addressing urgent global development challenges.