Africa: 180 million people to benefit from World Bank’s $2.5B program to boost inclusive digitalization

The World Bank has launched a new $2.48 billion program that aims to improve internet adoption rates and infrastructure coverage gaps for more than 180 million people across eastern and southern Africa.

The Inclusive Digitalization in Eastern and Southern Africa (IDEA) Program, launched recently, will focus on tackling common digital challenges including low internet coverage due to infrastructure gaps, low usage due to the high cost of data and devices, limited digital skills, and lack of digital identification needed for online transactions.

With $2.48 billion in funding from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA), IDEA aims to bring together 15 countries and regional economic communities to tackle these challenges. “The IDEA program shows the World Bank’s commitment to digitization,” Tim Kelly, the World Bank’s lead ICT policy specialist, said.

The new program aspires to benefit over 180 million people across the region by 2032 by increasing their access to the internet and boosting inclusive use of digitally enabled services, thus in turn contributing to sustainable economic growth. IDEA will be implemented in phases over eight years with Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Malawi participating in the first phase. Additional countries and regional bodies are expected to join in the subsequent phases based on their eligibility and readiness. The regional coordination of the IDEA Program will be spearheaded the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).