Bridging the Digital Divide for Older Persons in Africa: Implications for Social Welfare and Inclusive Human Development

The rapid digitalisation of African societies has created both opportunities and challenges for older persons, particularly in the context of social welfare, human development, and social inclusion. While digital technologies offer avenues for improving access to healthcare, social protection, financial services, and civic engagement, older adults frequently experience exclusion due to limited digital literacy, socio-economic constraints, infrastructural deficits, and age-related physical or cognitive limitations. This paper explored the phenomenon of the digital divide among older persons in Africa and its implications for social welfare and inclusive human development. Drawing on Human Development Theory, Social Inclusion/Exclusion Theory, the Active Ageing Framework, and African Renaissance and Ubuntu philosophy, by highlighting how digital exclusion undermines autonomy, social participation, and access to essential services. Through a review of literature from Africa and other developing regions, this paper identifies socio-economic, structural, educational, health-related, and gendered barriers that reinforce digital inequities. It explored the role of social work practice in bridging this divide through community-based digital literacy initiatives, intergenerational learning, advocacy, and culturally grounded interventions. Clear recommendations were provided for social workers, social welfare institutions, governments, and development partners, emphasising age-friendly digital platforms, hybrid service delivery models, policy reforms, and infrastructural support. This paper argues that addressing the digital divide is not only a technological challenge but also a moral and developmental imperative. Hence, bridging digital inequities for older persons will enhance their social inclusion, economic security, and overall well-being, thereby contributing to inclusive human development and the African Renaissance vision.