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East Africa Frontline News

NextFrontier Africa is a media platform spotlighting Africa’s emerging opportunities in technology, tourism, aviation, agriculture, health, logistics, real estate, trade, education, and e-commerce.

May 17.2025

2 Minutes Read

How the Mobile Internet Gender Gap in Sub-Saharan Africa Impacts E-Commerce Growth

Close-up of a person holding a red phone, highlighting mobile internet gender gap.

Progress in Bridging the Mobile Internet Gender Gap

In a significant stride towards equality, the mobile internet gender gap in sub-Saharan Africa has narrowed for the second consecutive year, as highlighted by the GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report 2025. The report indicates that the gap decreased from 36% in 2022 to 29% in 2024. This achievement is noteworthy in a region historically plagued by a high percentage of women excluded from accessing mobile internet.

The Economic Implications of Digital Inclusion

Despite the positive advancements, approximately 205 million women in sub-Saharan Africa—around 61% of the adult female population—still lack mobile internet access. This figure starkly illustrates the urgent need for continued efforts to enhance digital inclusion. Economical factors such as affordability, digital literacy, and social norms all serve as barriers, emphasizing that connecting women is not merely a technical challenge; it is fundamentally tied to economic opportunities.

Strategies for Improvement and Future Insights

The report advocates for a variety of targeted interventions including handset subsidies and creative financing models. These strategies are essential for making smartphones more affordable and accessible to women, thereby boosting their participation in the digital economy. As noted by Claire Sibthorpe from GSMA, when women gain internet access, it resonates beyond their individual lives, fostering progress in education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.

Connection to E-commerce and Trade

For exporters, importers, and e-commerce businesses, understanding the dynamics of the mobile internet gender gap is crucial for strategic planning. As more women become connected, there are vast opportunities for marketplaces and trade across borders, aligning with initiatives like the AfCFTA. This growing digital economy presents novel avenues for businesses to expand and engage with diverse communities, thereby making cross-border trade more inclusive.

Investors in the digital landscape should consider these societal shifts as valuable insights into market development. Empowering women digitally not only enriches their lives but also supports the overall commerce ecosystem.

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How the Mobile Internet Gender Gap in Sub-Saharan Africa Impacts E-Commerce Growth

Progress in Bridging the Mobile Internet Gender Gap

The Economic Implications of Digital Inclusion

Strategies for Improvement and Future Insights

Connection to E-commerce and Trade

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