Telecoms companies top digital inclusion rankings

The World Benchmarking Alliance has recently published its second Digital Inclusion Benchmark report, shedding light on the state of digital inclusion across various sectors. Lourdes Montenegro, the Digital Sector Transformation Lead at the World Benchmarking Alliance, discussed the findings in a recent CNBC Africa interview, highlighting the slow progress in advancing a more inclusive digital society. The report reveals that many companies are lagging behind in terms of digital inclusion, with a lack of prioritization and proactive measures to bridge the digital divide. One of the key themes highlighted in the interview is the disparity in digital inclusion efforts across different industries. While telecom companies (TALCOs) have shown commendable performance in enhancing digital access, other sectors such as platforms, e-commerce, and software companies have faltered in promoting inclusivity. Montenegro emphasized the importance of businesses, especially at the leadership level, considering digital inclusion as a crucial issue, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic where digital access has proven to be a matter of life and death. The interview also touched upon the temporary nature of the initiatives taken by telecom companies during the pandemic to facilitate access to essential services. Montenegro expressed concerns about the sustainability of these efforts once the crisis subsides, urging companies to continue investing in initiatives that promote digital inclusion, even when profits are on the rise. Gender disparity in the tech industry was another pressing issue discussed in the interview. With only a quarter of female representation in the technical workforce, the industry is at risk of widening gender inequalities in the digital sphere. Montenegro pointed out that a lack of transparency from companies regarding the employment of women in technical roles hinders efforts to track progress and address the gender gap effectively. Highlighting some positive outliers from the report, Montenegro identified 27 companies that have excelled in digital inclusion efforts. These companies have demonstrated a top-down approach towards prioritizing digital access and have consistently supported initiatives to enhance digital skills, promote safe usage, and foster innovation across diverse communities. The conversation also delved into the role of national-level regulations in promoting digital inclusion. While countries like China have implemented stringent regulations to govern the tech sector and broaden access to digital services, Montenegro emphasized the need for companies to proactively improve their practices without solely relying on government intervention. The benchmark report serves as a call to action for companies to adopt ethical practices, particularly in areas like AI, where the societal impact of technology must be carefully considered. In conclusion, the interview underscored the importance of collective efforts from both industry players and governments to foster a more inclusive digital society. The benchmark report serves as a valuable tool to assess and encourage companies to prioritize digital inclusion and contribute to bridging the digital divide for all.