The adoption of digital technologies by firms is a critical driver of productivity and economic growth for developing economies. While there have been notable advancements in digitalization—particularly in mobile payments—the overall use of digital technologies among businesses in Africa remains low. Despite the proliferation of mobile phones and increasing internet connectivity, many African firms do not fully leverage digital technologies for core business functions. Recent International Finance Corporation (IFC) research indicates that less than one-third of firms that have adopted digital technologies use them intensively for their most productive purposes such as business administration, planning, and sales. Our analysis shows that 600,000 formally registered firms and 40 million microbusinesses in Africa could benefit from digital upgrades.
Bridging the digital divide in Africa: Enhancing technology adoption for economic growth
