As the world prepares to commemorate the annual World Telecommunications and Information Society Day, with the theme Gender Equality Digital Transformation, on Saturday, women in Africa remain less likely than males to have basic and advanced digital skills.
This is according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which in an interview with ITWeb Africa gave views on the gender gap, progress, and forecast for digital skills as the continent increasingly supports digital transformation.
According to the organisation’s spokesperson, African women continue to lack digital skills such as using the internet, installing apps, sending emails, and more advanced skills such as coding or using online tools for work.
The spokesperson continued: “Internet usage is a proxy for digital skills acquisition. According to ITU data, an estimated 43% of men were online in Africa compared to an estimated 31% of women in 2024. This is the widest gender gap in internet use globally in 2024.
“However, in the last five years the gender parity score has improved from 0.69 to 0.72. Moreover, women face multiple barriers to accessing digital technologies, including affordability, lower levels of education, and limited access to devices. These factors compound the digital skills gap.
The ITU said the biggest barriers to digital access for women and girls across Africa include the affordability and access to devices and the high cost of internet access as women often have lower incomes.
Additionally, the spokesperson noted: “Women and girls face challenges in acquiring digital skills due to lower school enrolment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and limited exposure to ICT training.”
STEM education can empower girls and women with the skills needed for digital jobs and entrepreneurship, said the ITU.
“Africa trails behind global averages in STEM education participation, particularly among girls, both in secondary and tertiary education which limits the pipeline of women entering ICT careers. While some countries have made policy strides in promoting STEM for girls, many lack coordinated national strategies or face implementation challenges.”
When asked whether African women and girls are ready for the jobs of the future, compared to men and boys, the spokesperson said fewer girls pursue STEM education and women have less access to digital training, limiting readiness for tech-enabled and tech-driven jobs.
“However, the potential for a shift is high when there is targeted investment in digital skills, STEM education, and inclusive policies. Multi-stakeholder action and partnerships are needed to close the gaps.”
Looking ahead, the ITU believes Africa’s digital transformation depends on investment in and expansion of digital infrastructure, through fibre, mobile and satellite, and other technologies to meet needs of citizens and promote usage and uptake.
“When investments are inclusive and result in affordable access and use, more women can gain access to the internet and digital tools. However, barriers in digital skills and digital literacy, access to finance, must be addressed for women to benefit equally. Without gender-responsive planning and implementation, the digital divide may widen,” concluded the spokesperson.
Share