In this rapidly evolving digital world, information and communication technology (ICT) has become a cornerstone for economic growth for any country, social progress, and global connectivity.
Zanzibar, as an emerging hub of opportunity in East Africa, with a steady pace of economic growth of 7.4% GDP and with a youthful population, 60% under 25 years and 30% under 30 years, the region holds immense potential for leveraging Information and Communication
While plans are already on the drawing board, but implementation has not been as aggressive as it should be so that Zanzibar stays ahead of the crowd.
Technology (ICT) as a catalyst for economic and social transformation
The persistent digital divide in terms of unequal access to technology and digital skills poses a significant challenge to inclusive development in the country despite the massive efforts done by different stakeholders throughout the years.
Addressing this digital divide is not just a necessity but an opportunity to drive inclusivity, economic resilience, and equitable development across Zanzibar. A recent seminar titled “Upskilling Youth in ICT Skills for Accomplishing Digital Transformation in Zanzibar” hosted by ZRCP, UNCDF, and experts from IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus, underscored the critical role of equipping young people with digital skills. The discussions emphasized that a digitally skilled youth population is pivotal to driving Zanzibar’s transformation into a digitally inclusive society.
Understanding Zanzibar’s Digital Divide
The digital divide in Zanzibar is multifaceted, encompassing disparities in internet access, infrastructure, and digital literacy. Urban areas particularly Zanzibar City boast robust ICT infrastructure, with 80% of households connected to the internet.
Meanwhile, fewer than 40% of rural households enjoy reliable connectivity, according to the Zanzibar Ministry of Infrastructure’s 2023 report. This imbalance arises from limited infrastructure investments in rural areas, where fiber-optic networks are scarce, and mobile networks are often slow and unreliable.
The divide extends beyond connectivity. Rural communities face economic barriers to acquiring essential digital devices, such as smartphones and laptops, and lack opportunities for digital literacy.
Many rural residents are unaware of how technology could enhance their lives, from accessing online markets to improving education and healthcare. These gaps restrict economic participation and deepen regional disparities in access to opportunities.
The digital divide hampers economic participation, particularly in sectors like agriculture and tourism, which are vital to Zanzibar’s economy. Rural farmers, for instance, miss out on opportunities to access online markets, learn modern farming techniques, or connect with supply chains.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that the lack of ICT access costs rural Zanzibar about 15% in potential agricultural productivity annually. Efforts like the forthcoming Digitized Agri-Tech Program by Zanzibar Research Center for Socio Economic Policy (ZRCP) aim to address this gap by integrating technology into agriculture for rural famers to enhance their livelihood, fetch market and enhance supply chain towards this transformative digital economy in Zanzibar by 2025.
Similarly, limited access to ICT in rural schools restricts both teachers and students from acquiring essential digital skills, further disadvantaging them in a competitive job market.
The Zanzibar Public Service Competency-Based Framework (2024) aims to address this by enhancing teachers’ competencies and equipping students with core skills to thrive in the digital age.
Women and youth, already marginalized in many aspects of economic life, face compounded challenges due to digital exclusion. Without access to digital literacy programs and technology-driven employment opportunities, they are left further behind, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
Initiatives to Address ICT Inequalities
Government-Led Programs: The Zanzibar government has implemented several programs to bridge the ICT gap. The Universal Service Fund (USF) supports expanding connectivity to rural areas, while the ICT-in-Education Strategy has equipped over 200 rural schools with internet access and digital tools, benefiting more than 30,000 students by 2024.
Private Sector Contributions: Telecommunications Companies have extended mobile broadband networks to underserved areas and introduced affordable data plans for low-income users. Partnerships with technology firms have also facilitated the donation of devices to schools and community centers. For instance, one of the telecommunication company increased its network towers by 5.8% in 2023, improving digital connectivity in rural areas.
Community-Led Initiatives: Grassroots efforts like the Pamoja Youth Initiative (PYI) have established digital learning centers, offering free ICT training to marginalized groups. PYI trained 30 individuals in digital skills and business marketing, exemplifies the transformative potential of community-led programs.
Stories from Global Contexts
Rwanda: The Digital Pioneer of Africa
Rwanda has emerged as a regional leader in digital transformation through deliberate policy and investment in ICT. Its 2020 vision initiative prioritized ICT as a driver of socioeconomic development. Through infrastructure investments, the country achieved a 96% 4G LTE network coverage by 2020. Programs like the “Digital Ambassadors Program” trained over 1,000 citizens in basic ICT skills, enabling them to access e-services and participate in the digital economy. ‘Smart Kigali Initiative’ provides free Wi-Fi in public spaces, fostering access to online resources for education, business, and communication.
India: Tech Powerhouse of the Global South
India’s “Digital India Initiative” connected 250,000 villages with high-speed broadband through the Bharat Net project. E-Governance platforms like “Common Service Centers” brought government services, banking, and healthcare to rural populations, showcasing how digital inclusion can empower communities. Digital literacy campaigns enhanced through the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) has trained over 40 million individuals in digital skills, ensuring they can utilize technology effectively.
Kenya: Mobile money model
Kenya’s pioneering success with mobile money, serves as a global benchmark for leveraging ICT to combat financial exclusion. The innovative digital platform enables individuals without access to traditional banking systems to conduct financial transactions seamlessly using mobile phones. By 2022, mobile transactions accounting for more than 50% of the country’s GDP (GSMA, 2022).
The innovative digital platform impact extends deeply into rural areas, where farmers utilize the platform to access microloans, pay for agricultural supplies, and sell their products directly to consumers. By bypassing middlemen, farmers significantly increase their profits, boosting livelihoods and contributing to rural development.
Beyond financial inclusion, the innovative digital platform success has driven innovation across other critical sectors, including healthcare, education, and transportation. The platform’s nationwide adoption has fostered a robust digital ecosystem that supports Kenya’s socio-economic growth.
Lesson learned from the seminar: What Zanzibar Needs to Close the Digital Divide
Zanzibar stands at a critical juncture in its pursuit of bridging the digital divide and unlocking its socio-economic potential. With the world increasingly embracing digital transformation, ensuring inclusive access to technology is essential for the archipelago’s sustainable growth.
A collaborative approach, involving public and private sectors alongside international organizations, is crucial to expanding ICT access and fostering digital skills. These partnerships can leverage expertise and resources to create an equitable digital environment that empowers citizens and accelerates development.
One of the fundamental steps Zanzibar must take is to promote digital literacy among its population. Programs targeting youth, women, and marginalized communities are essential to equipping citizens with the skills needed to participate in the digital economy.
Training in areas such as coding, digital marketing, and e-commerce can open up new opportunities, enabling individuals to innovate, create, and thrive in a competitive global marketplace. By fostering these skills, Zanzibar can lay a strong foundation for a digitally inclusive society.
Equally important is the need to address the connectivity gap, particularly in rural areas where access to the internet remains limited. Expanding fiber-optic networks and upgrading mobile infrastructure in these regions can bring high-speed internet to underserved communities.
Such efforts will enable individuals and businesses to connect with global opportunities, access valuable resources, and contribute to economic growth. Public-private partnerships will be instrumental in mobilizing the resources required to make this a reality.
Drawing inspiration from global success stories like Rwanda and India, Zanzibar can adopt best practices that focus on infrastructure development, education reforms, and supportive policy frameworks. These examples highlight how strategic investments in technology and human capital can create digitally inclusive societies. By integrating these lessons into its development strategies, Zanzibar can ensure that no community is left behind in the digital age.
Zanzibar’s existing innovation hubs, including incubators and accelerators, also have a crucial role to play in bridging the digital divide. Enhancing these platforms by expanding their geographic reach and offering remote access through online platforms can make them more inclusive.
Tailored training in digital skills, such as data analysis and cyber security, should focus on empowering women and youth, who are often underrepresented in technology fields.
Additionally, creating dedicated funding opportunities through grants, competitions, and venture capital partnerships can help support start-ups in developing innovative, locally relevant solutions. By addressing Zanzibar’s unique challenges, these solutions can have a lasting impact on the region’s economic and social development.
Through concerted efforts in these areas, Zanzibar can build a future where technology is not just a privilege but a powerful tool for all citizens to participate in and benefit from the digital economy.
Closing the digital divide is not merely about improving access to technology; it is about creating a more equitable, prosperous society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
