Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-14 03:10:13
Technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate, and the deployment of mobile broadband in Nigeria is not only providing connectivity but also making a significant impact on reducing poverty and contributing to the global economy. According to the Global System for Mobile telecommunications Association (GSMA), mobile technologies and services have added $500 billion to the global economy, reaching $5.2 trillion in 2022. This shows the immense economic value that mobile technology is generating worldwide.
Mobile broadband is playing a crucial role in reducing poverty. The GSMA report notes that from 2010 to 2016, mobile broadband lifted two million people out of extreme poverty in Nigeria, reducing the share of people in Nigeria living in extreme poverty. This is a considerable achievement, especially considering that Nigeria accounts for a quarter of Africa’s poor. Additionally, it was observed that the deployment of mobile broadband in Nigeria may have cut the level of extreme poverty by 1.5%. These statistics highlight the significant impact that mobile technology is having in tackling poverty and making a positive difference in people’s lives.
In Nigeria, there are more than 320 million connected telephone lines, with 41.8% of the population enjoying broadband penetration. This is a significant milestone and shows the growing importance of mobile technology in the country. With over 223 million active telephone lines, it underscores the widespread adoption and usage of mobile communication services in Nigeria. The presence of mobile broadband has undoubtedly revolutionized the way people in Nigeria access the internet, bridging the digital divide and empowering individuals with the resources they need to thrive in the digital age.
The impact of mobile technology goes beyond just connectivity and economic value. The report highlights that the mobile industry has increased global employment by around two million over the last five years, supporting a total of 28 million jobs in 2022. It is clear that the mobile industry is not only driving economic growth but also creating employment opportunities, contributing to job creation and sustainable economic development.
Furthermore, the mobile technology sector is playing a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The report indicates that the use of mobile technology powered a global reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of around 2,135 million tonnes of CO2 in 2018. These emissions savings were 10 times greater than the global carbon footprint of the mobile industry itself, emphasizing the positive environmental impact of mobile technology.
Despite these achievements, there are still challenges that hinder progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, climate-related disasters, ongoing economic crises, and high inflation have significantly impacted global efforts. Vulnerable populations have been disproportionately affected by rising energy and food prices, exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis. It is clear that constant collaboration across public and private sectors is crucial to accelerate efforts and increase the scale of impact.
There is still work to be done in terms of increasing mobile broadband coverage and reducing mobile Internet usage gaps. The report highlights that 400 million people are still not covered by a mobile broadband network, and 38% of the world’s population lived within the footprint of a mobile broadband network but were not using mobile Internet. While the usage gap has declined over the years, it remains substantial and needs to be addressed to ensure that everyone has access to mobile Internet.
In conclusion, mobile technology is making a significant impact on the global economy and is playing a crucial role in reducing poverty, creating jobs, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Despite the challenges, the opportunities presented by mobile technology are immense, and continued collaboration and investment in expanding mobile broadband coverage and reducing usage gaps are essential to ensure that the benefits of mobile technology are accessible to everyone.
