Africa is facing many challenges in achieving its digital potential, but operators like Airtel Africa are working hard to overcome them.
In a recent interview, the CEO and MD of Airtel Africa, Segun Ogunsanya, shared his insights on how to address the financial and digital gaps in the continent, and how to leverage mobile technology to improve education and economic growth.
Ogunsanya noted that only 17 per cent of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa have access to mobile wallets, and most of them are excluded from the traditional financial systems. This affects women in rural areas the most, as they are more vulnerable to poverty and abuse.
To solve this problem, Ogunsanya highlighted the importance of providing affordable and accessible mobile money services to the unbanked and underbanked segments of the society. He cited Airtel’s partnership with the Rwandan government to launch a 4G smartphone for $20, which he claimed is the cheapest in Africa. He also mentioned a $1 monthly data plan that offers unlimited calls, texts, and 1 GB of internet.
Ogunsanya said that these initiatives would increase mobile penetration and usage in Africa, which would have a positive impact on the GDP. He cited a study that showed that every 10 per cent increase in mobile penetration in Africa results in 2 per cent increase in GDP.
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Bridging the Digital Gap
Ogunsanya also pointed out that many people who have internet access do not use it for various reasons, such as financial constraints, lack of digital skills, or low awareness of the benefits. He said that operators have the responsibility to bridge the divide between those who have internet access and those who do not.
He said that operators should make it easier for people to enter the digital world by offering affordable and relevant services, such as e-commerce, e-health, e-government, e-education, and e-agriculture. He also said that operators should collaborate with other stakeholders, such as governments, regulators, content providers, and device manufacturers, to create a more dynamic and inclusive digital ecosystem.
“Our role is to allow the world to reach Africa and allow Africa to reach the world,” he said.
Improving Education through Mobile Technology
Ogunsanya also addressed the role of operators in advancing the education systems in Africa. He said that education does not have to be confined to the classroom, but it can be delivered and accessed through mobile devices.
He said that operators can provide educational content and platforms that can help students learn anytime and anywhere. He also said that operators can support teachers and educators with training and resources that can enhance their skills and knowledge.
He said that mobile technology can transform education in Africa by making it more accessible, affordable, quality-oriented, and learner-centered. He said that this would help create a more educated and skilled workforce that can drive innovation and development in the continent.
About Airtel Africa
Airtel Africa is a telecommunications company that provides mobile voice, data, and money services in 14 African countries. It is part of the global Airtel group, which is based in India. Airtel Africa has over 99 million subscribers and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. It was formed in 2010 after Airtel acquired Zain’s mobile operations in Africa. Airtel Africa aims to bridge the financial and digital gaps in the continent by offering affordable and relevant services, such as e-commerce, e-health, e-government, e-education, and e-agriculture.
