Assessing Digitalization and Data Governance Issues in Africa

CIGI Paper No. 244

July 9, 2020

The growth of digitalization and digital technology adoption in Africa holds the key to strengthening and diversifying economies across the continent. Although these developments offer potentially life-changing benefits for consumers, businesses and governments, the inherent flaws in the digital market mean these benefits are not guaranteed. As most gains from the digital economy are largely concentrated in the United States and China, the digital divide may widen the gap between the Global North and the Global South. 

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CIGI Papers present in-depth analysis and discussion on governance-related subjects. They include policy papers that present CIGI experts' positions or contributions to policy debates, and background papers that contain research findings, insights and data that contribute to the development of policy positions.

About the Authors

Idris Ademuyiwa is a non-resident fellow at the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa in Abuja, Nigeria, and a former research associate in CIGI’s Global Economy Program.

Adedeji Adeniran is the director of education (governance research) and senior fellow at the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa.