Barriers to digital inclusion in Africa: a systematic review

This study employed a systematic review to determine the barriers to digital inclusion in Africa. A total of 522 documents published between 2012 and 2024 were analysed. The PRISMA flow guidelines explained the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the journal articles. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess the methodological quality of each selected article. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, which allowed for the systematic identification and interpretation of recurring themes related to digital inclusion in Africa. The analysis revealed eight key barriers to digital inclusion: digital illiteracy, inadequate ICT infrastructure, high costs and limited accessibility, poor Internet connectivity, rural-urban disparities, cybercrime, computer phobia, and language and literacy barriers. The study recommends that policies to tackle digital exclusion in Africa must be holistic. In particular, investment in digital infrastructures and lower ICT service costs may alleviate issues that relate to access and connectivity; improved programmes around the building of digital skills may mitigate the impact of digital illiteracy and computer anxiety; the development of rural areas can reduce geographical inequalities; and cybersecurity policies could generate higher levels of confidence and greater security among users. Additionally, local-language digital content can be supported to circumvent linguistic and literacy barriers.