About 85% of the world’s population lives within 4G networks, and it’s estimated that nearly 50% of them are still offline or not connected due to the high cost of internet access and devices.

Sub-Saharan Africa has the least affordability to devices perpetuating the gender digital divide. Despite awareness, primarily women and rural populations face digital illiteracy and access widening the digital divide in Africa.

Limited access to reliable infrastructure for electricity, internet connectivity, and telecommunications networks hinders the adoption and use of digital technologies.

This infrastructure, affordability and skills gap makes it difficult for marginalized women and their communities to access information, educational resources, employment, healthcare services, social inclusion, and economic opportunities available online. al inclusion. Bridging the digital divide is crucial to unlocking Africa’s potential, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusive growth.

SAEF is investing, through the Social Impact Fund, resources to uplift and support women residing in some of the poorest communities across Africa have access to digital devices, internet access, digital training and mobile for development (FINTECH).