The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has urged nations to ramp up investments and regulatory efforts following the release of the 2023 Information and Communications Development (ICT) Development Index (IDI). The report highlights the need for enhanced infrastructure, regulations, and fresh investments to propel Nigeria's technology sector forward.
The IDI, a comprehensive measure developed by the ITU, evaluates member nations across various parameters such as internet usage, mobile broadband coverage, and household connectivity. In Nigeria, the index reveals that while progress has been made, there's significant room for improvement. For instance, the country lags with only 34% of individuals using the internet and 36.4% of households having internet access.
Comparatively, South Africa boasts higher figures, with 78.1% internet usage among individuals and 81.5% of households connected. These stark contrasts underscore the urgent need for Nigeria to bridge the digital divide and catch up with global standards.
ITU emphasizes the strong correlation between digital development and overall progress. While the global average score stands at 72.8 out of 100, indicating significant strides, there's a stark disparity with some countries still in the nascent stages of digital evolution.
The report also sheds light on Africa's digital landscape, revealing a disparity with global averages across various metrics. For instance, while the world averages 73.8% internet usage among individuals, Africa trails behind at 42.7%. Similar gaps exist in household connectivity and mobile broadband usage.
In response, ITU stresses the importance of robust data collection and analysis for informed decision-making. The organization pledges continued support for countries in measuring connectivity, providing guidelines, capacity-building initiatives, and technical assistance.
As nations grapple with the challenges of bridging the digital divide, the IDI serves as a crucial tool for gauging progress and identifying areas for improvement. With concerted efforts and investments, countries like Nigeria can leverage technology to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and enhance overall societal well-being.
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