This archive report was first published on 14 November 2019.
On November 14, 2019, a report by the Pathways for Prosperity Commission shed light on the vast potential of digital technologies to drive economic growth in developing countries.
Despite 80% of people in these countries living under a cellular network, only 30% have ever used the internet, according to the report.
Speaking on the opportunities presented by digital technologies, Strive Masiyiwa, founder of Econet, said, “Digital technologies offer powerful tools to grow businesses and nations, enabling entrepreneurs access markets and gives governments innovative ways to deliver better services.”
The report, titled 'The Digital Roadmap: how developing countries can get ahead,' outlines 10 steps that nations can take to harness new technologies and deliver development to their citizens.
The Pathways for Prosperity Commission works to create conversations and encourage the co-design of country-level solutions aimed at making frontier technologies work for the world's poorest and most marginalised men and women.
Training for Africa's Growing Labour Force ¶
The panellists emphasized the need for training on 21st-century skills to accommodate Africa's growing labour force, estimated to grow by 285 million from 2010-2030.
National Digital Compact ¶
Countries should develop a 'National Digital Compact' to guide digital transformation and navigate the impacts of technologies on their societies and economies.
The Pathways Commission has piloted the 'Digital Economy Toolkit' in Ethiopia, Mongolia, and South Africa as a foundation for their national digital strategies.
