Only 38% of Africa’s population is online, and for women, the gap is even greater but cooperative models, grassroots innovation and enabling policy can make a difference
Access to digital technologies is fundamental to modern life, enabling communication, education, healthcare, financial services, and economic participation. Yet the International Telecommunication Union found that as of 2024, only 38% of Africa’s population is online and only two women are connected to the internet for every three men.
As Africa positions itself for long-term digital transformation, the challenge of digital inclusion remains urgent and complex. The telecoms sector plays a pivotal role in meeting this challenge. By investing in scalable, community-rooted, and policy-aligned solutions, telecoms leaders can help bridge the digital divide, driving not only connectivity but also inclusive development across the continent.
Connectivity – a foundation for development
Reliable internet access is foundational to unlocking Africa’s social and economic potential. With over 60% of the population still offline, particularly in rural and low-income areas, the need for alternative and scalable approaches is clear. Traditional infrastructure models, driven by commercial returns, often overlook remote and marginalised communities due to perceived low profitability and high operational risk.
However, new approaches rooted in community ownership, grassroots innovation, and inclusive policy prove that scalable connectivity is achievable, even in the most challenging environments. These models don’t just connect people; they build resilience, skills and opportunity.
Community-based models for the last mile
Across Africa, cooperative-led infrastructure initiatives are expanding internet access where traditional telecom models have struggled. These digital cooperatives are community-run and co-owned, giving local populations a direct stake in managing and maintaining their connectivity infrastructure.
This shared-ownership model reduces deployment costs and enhances trust, often leading to higher adoption rates. Crucially, profits are reinvested locally to support education, training, and infrastructure.
One such example is, Zenzeleni which empowers rural communities to build and operate their own telecommunications infrastructure. Using solar-powered Wi-Fi networks managed by local cooperatives, Zenzeleni delivers affordable internet while fostering local skills and ownership.
Context is key in grassroots innovation
Africa’s digital inclusion is also advancing through grassroots innovation that tackles local challenges with homegrown solutions. In rural areas, solar-powered hubs provide first-time internet access, along with digital training, financial services, and e-learning.
In Morocco’s Rhamna region, the Massarates Rhamna Program is equipping 125 aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills and support needed to launch sustainable ventures. The initiative is fostering the creation of 25 cooperatives, with digital tools woven into every stage, from training and marketing to accessing new markets, highlighting how technology can amplify local innovation and economic resilience.
What makes such initiatives effective is context. They are designed for the communities they serve, affordable to maintain, and driven by local ownership. With the right partnerships, they are also scalable and replicable.
Enabling policy is critical for scaling impact
No inclusive connectivity model can thrive without the support of enabling policy frameworks. Yet in many countries, regulations still favour large-scale commercial operators and overlook or restrict the role of cooperatives, nonprofit internet service providers, and community-led networks.
To unlock broader impact, policymakers must adapt frameworks to support diverse infrastructure models. This includes simplifying licensing requirements for small providers, allocating spectrum for community networks, and creating incentives for telecom operators to invest in inclusive initiatives.
Cross-sector collaboration is essential to this policy shift. Joint initiatives between governments, industry, and academic institutions can ensure that connectivity strategies are evidence-based, inclusive, and aligned with development goals such as the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy for 2030.
When policy enables innovation, the results are transformative. For example, coordinated reforms across West Africa, led by the Economic Community of West African States and West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly, have created regulatory environments that support regional community networks, extending access to tens of thousands of new users.
Strategic priorities for Africa’s telecom leaders
As telecom companies expand across Africa, inclusive strategies are not just socially responsible, they’re smart business. With rising demand for internet access, especially among youth and rural populations, the sector faces significant opportunities for long-term growth.
To bridge the digital divide effectively, telecom providers should prioritise:
- Community-led connectivity by partnering with cooperatives and local networks to enable sustainable expansion and build local capacity.
- Support for grassroots innovation through investment in local entrepreneurs, digital skills, and innovation hubs to accelerate adoption and create context-specific solutions.
- Advocacy for inclusive policy by engaging in policy reform through multi-stakeholder platforms and evidence-based advocacy.
- Impact measurement by tracking and reporting on digital inclusion efforts to strengthen ESG performance and attract responsible investment.
Coverage to connection
By embracing cooperative models, supporting grassroots innovators, and advocating for enabling policies, telecom providers can lead the charge toward a more inclusive digital future. The shift from “coverage” to “connection” means focusing not just on access, but on affordability, relevance, and long-term social value.
The digital divide is not inevitable. With the right partnerships, strategies, and vision, we can build a continent where digital technologies empower every citizen and unlock Africa’s full potential.
About the author
Dr Bouchra Rahmouni is Director of the Social Innovation Institute and Cooperatives Lab, University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P)
