In the world today, being digitally competitive is crucial for driving economic growth. The swift adoption of digital tools by businesses, governments, and individuals underscores the vital role of robust digital infrastructure in fostering innovation and enhancing efficiency.
From data-driven economies to automation and technological advancements in healthcare and manufacturing, it’s evident that staying digitally advanced is not just beneficial but essential.
However, significant gaps in digital infrastructure development remain a major challenge. Many economies, particularly in developing regions, face obstacles such as limited access to high-speed internet, unreliable electricity, and outdated telecommunications networks. These deficiencies hinder their ability to engage fully in the global digital economy.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reports that while broadband access has improved globally, substantial disparities persist, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This lack of connectivity stifles economic progress and places developing nations at a disadvantage in the digital world.
Countries with well-established digital ecosystems experience smoother transitions to automation and advanced technologies, while less-developed regions struggle to keep pace. This digital divide not only restricts economic opportunities but also exacerbates social inequalities.
In 2024, the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking evaluated 67 economies, with Ghana, Nigeria, and Puerto Rico making their debut. The rankings assess each country’s capacity to adopt and leverage digital technologies as a catalyst for economic transformation.
Using a framework of 59 criteria—38 quantitative measures and 21 survey-based indicators—the IMD ranks countries based on their digital competitiveness. For over three decades, the IMD World Competitiveness Center has spearheaded research on national competitiveness, focusing on sustainable value creation.
Here are Africa’s most digitally competitive countries in 2024:
