Digital Connectivity in sub-Saharan Africa: A Comparative Perspective
IMF Working Papers, September 27, 2019
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- Digital Connectivity in sub-Saharan Africa: A Comparative Perspective
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Bibliographic details
- Authors: Emre Alper, Michal Miktus
- Published: September 27, 2019
- Series: IMF Working Papers
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781513514604.001
Overview and objectives
- Authors: Emre Alper, Michal Miktus
- Publication date: September 27, 2019
- Publication type: IMF Working Paper No. 2019/210, Pages: 44, Volume: 2019, Issue: 210
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781513514604.001
- ISBN: 9781513514604
- ISSN: 1018-5941
- Objective: Assess digital connectivity patterns globally and within sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), construct a composite digital connectivity index, and identify correlates of higher digital connectivity.
Methodology
- Unsupervised machine learning: K-means clustering to confirm the global digital divide.
- Composite index construction: A digital connectivity index derived in the spirit of De Muro-Mazziotta-Pareto covering about 190 economies.
- Econometric approach: Fractional logit regressions to document associations between digital connectivity and institutional/economic factors.
Key findings
- Global digital divide:
- Confirmed via the K-means clustering algorithm.
- Digital connectivity index coverage:
- Constructed for about 190 economies.
- Sub-Saharan Africa performance:
- Majority of SSA countries lag in digital connectivity.
- Specific shortfalls identified in: infrastructure, internet usage, and knowledge.
- Econometric associations (fractional logit regressions):
- Higher digital connectivity is associated with:
- Better business enabling and regulatory environment.
- Financial access.
- Urbanization.
Policy-relevant implications
- Improving digital infrastructure and fostering a supportive business environment can enable new forms of business and job creation for both educated and less educated workers in SSA.
- Policies to enhance business-enabling conditions, expand financial access, and manage urbanization may raise digital connectivity.
Subjects and keywords (as provided)
- Subjects: Income, Information technology in revenue administration, Infrastructure, Machine learning, National accounts, Population and demographics, Revenue administration, Technology
- Keywords: account ownership, Africa, connectivity index, digital connectivity, Digitalization, EDAI SSA distribution, fractional logit model, Global, ICT indicators database, Income, Information technology in revenue administration, Infrastructure, Machine learning, SSA countries lag, SSA economy, Sub-Saharan Africa, unsupervised machine learning, WP
Source: IMF Working Paper "Digital Connectivity in sub-Saharan Africa: A Comparative Perspective" by Emre Alper and Michal Miktus, September 27, 2019 (Working Paper No. 2019/210).
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