A report by the World Bank has highlighted the significant impact of 3G coverage on poverty reduction in Nigeria.
The report, titled “Digital Progress and Trends Report 2023,” underscored the crucial role of digital connectivity in addressing poverty and fostering sustainable wealth generation, especially in low-income and developing countries.
According to the findings, 3G coverage has led to a reduction in extreme poverty by 4.3% in Nigeria.
The availability of faster internet has also accelerated employment opportunities, with a 13.2% increase in the pace of employment and a 22% rise in total employment attributed to fast internet access.
Moreover, countries with faster internet witnessed a fourfold increase in exports, indicating the positive economic outcomes associated with digital connectivity.
The report emphasized the need to bridge the digital divide, particularly across gender and between developing and developed countries, to ensure equitable access to digital resources.
In addition to poverty reduction and economic growth, digital technologies have the potential to contribute to environmental sustainability.
The report noted that digital advancements can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% across various sectors, including energy, materials, and mobility.
Nigeria has emerged as one of the countries experiencing robust growth in the IT sector, with significant increases in IT employment.
The country, along with others like Vietnam and China, has witnessed a surge in IT employment, driven largely by increased venture capital funding since the onset of the pandemic in 2020.
Furthermore, Nigeria stands out for its high engagement with business apps and significant downloads globally, reflecting the country’s growing digital presence and potential for furth
er economic development.
