Kenya Leads Digital Revolution, New Report Shows

Kenya has emerged as the leader in Eastern Africa’s digital landscape, according to the 2023 Eastern Africa Youth Digital Readiness Index, dominating the ranks with a score of 26.75.

Following closely behind Kenya is Rwanda, securing the second position with a  score of 19.85. Uganda and Ethiopia also made significant strides, clinching the third and fourth positions, respectively, with scores of 19.4 and 18.25.

The report indicates that Tanzania ranked fifth with a score of 17.75 as Sudan, DRC, and Somalia occupied the sixth, seventh, and eighth positions with scores of 16.5, 15.95, and 10.05, respectively. However, the index also highlights notable disparities across the region, with countries like Burundi and South Sudan lagging, scoring 9.25 and 7.6, respectively.

The new 2023 Eastern Africa Youth Digital Readiness Index by Qhala, a digital transformation and innovation management company, analyzes factors such as digital skills, government support, and online safety. Its goal is to identify areas for improvement and promote collaboration across the region to bridge the digital divide and empower young people.

Kenya’s leading position in Eastern Africa can be attributed to its robust digital infrastructure, which includes a widespread mobile money system, substantial government investments in digital infrastructure, and proactive initiatives aimed at enhancing digital literacy among its populace. Despite its leading position, Kenya still grapples with the challenge of ensuring equitable access to technology, particularly in rural areas.

The study also indicates that several countries saw an increase in mobile money adoption, fostering financial inclusion. Mobile money penetration is rising in Sudan, with platforms like MTN Mobile Money and Zain Cash gaining traction. DRC Congo is also experiencing a rise in Mobile Money adoption with platforms like M-Pesa and Orange Money. This surge in mobile money usage fosters a cashless society and boosts financial security for many Congolese.

South Sudan is also experiencing a surge in mobile money adoption, with platforms like Equitel Mobile Money and mJang facilitating financial inclusion, particularly in rural areas where traditional banking is scarce.

According to Dr Shikoh Gitau, the Founder and CEO of Qhala, the 2023 Eastern Africa Youth Digital Readiness Index serves as a valuable tool for policymakers, businesses, civil society, and educational institutions. It provides nuanced insights into the digital landscape of Eastern African countries, offering a roadmap for strategic interventions to foster digital readiness and innovation.

“The essence of digital readiness extends beyond mere technological adoption. It encompasses a country’s potential to evolve into a digitally driven, skills-endowed, innovation-centric, and sustainable economy. Recognizing the significance of this paradigm shift, we present the 2023 Eastern Africa Youth Digital Readiness Index, a quantitative measure designed to gauge the digital potential and performance of Eastern African countries,” stated Dr Gitau.

The Youth Digital Readiness Index Report will be released annually to update the status progress of each country and its performance. The release of the Index aims to inform policy decisions, drive regional progress, empower youth, and monitor progress over time. By identifying areas for improvement and promoting collaboration across regions, the index seeks to unlock the transformative potential of digital technologies.