Women and Technology in Sub-Saharan Africa

Empowering women in technology is essential for the progress of Sub-Saharan Africa. According to the International Telecommunication Union, the gender gap in internet use is highest in the least developed countries, where women are 33% less likely to have access to the internet than men. Additionally, women in Sub-Saharan Africa often face unique challenges in accessing and using technology, including limited access to digital literacy training, cultural biases, and socio-economic barriers.

However, promoting women in technology can have a significant impact on achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promoting economic growth and development in the region. A study by the African Development Bank found that increasing women’s participation in the technology industry could boost the continent’s GDP by $9 billion.

One key aspect of promoting women in technology is through public policy and diplomacy. Governments can take steps to increase access to technology for women and promote their participation in the technology industry, such as through funding programs, tax incentives for women-led tech businesses, and policies that support gender diversity in tech. Diplomatic efforts can also play a role, such as promoting international cooperation and exchange of best practices.

The UN SDGs provide a framework for addressing many of the challenges that women in Sub-Saharan Africa face in accessing and using technology. For example, Goal 5 aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, which includes increasing their access to technology and technology-related education and training. Goal 8 aims to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, which can be achieved in part by supporting women entrepreneurs and women-led tech businesses.

According to the International Telecommunication Union, the gender gap in internet use is highest in the least developed countries, where women are 33% less likely to have access to the internet than men. In Sub-Saharan Africa, only 22.4% of women are using the internet, compared to 33.8% of men. (Source: ITU. (2020). The State of Broadband 2020: Tackling Digital Inequalities.)

According to a study by the African Development Bank, increasing women’s participation in the technology industry could boost the continent’s GDP by $9 billion. The study found that only 30% of tech startup founders in Africa are women. (Source: African Development Bank. (2019). Women and Technology in Sub-Saharan Africa: Overcoming Barriers to Progress.)

A survey by the World Economic Forum found that Sub-Saharan Africa has the lowest percentage of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields, with only 30% of STEM graduates being women. (Source: World Economic Forum. (2020). Women and Work: The Facts.)

According to a report by Intel and Dalberg, only 37% of women in Sub-Saharan Africa have access to mobile internet, and only 18% of women are aware of how to use the internet. (Source: Intel and Dalberg. (2019). Women and the Web: Bridging the Internet Gap and Creating New Global Opportunities in Low and Middle-Income Countries.)

The same report by Intel and Dalberg found that women in Sub-Saharan Africa face significant barriers to accessing and using technology, including limited access to digital literacy training, cultural biases, and socio-economic barriers.

In conclusion, promoting women in technology in Sub-Saharan Africa is crucial for economic growth and development, and can be achieved through a combination of public policy, diplomacy, and a commitment to achieving the UN SDGs. By empowering women in technology, the region can unlock significant economic and social benefits, reduce inequality, and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous future.