Ghana secured the 15th position in Africa in the 2024 ICT Development Index (IDI) and 2nd place in West Africa, according to the latest report from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The report, which assesses 170 economies, reviews Ghana’s growing efforts to strengthen its digital infrastructure and position itself as a leader in Africa’s technology landscape.
Globally, Libya emerged as the top performer in Africa with an impressive score of 88.1, followed by Morocco (86.8), Seychelles (84.7), and Mauritius (84.2). Ghana’s 66.2 score places it ahead of Côte d’Ivoire (65.3) and Senegal (69.3), solidifying its status as a key player in the region’s digital transformation.
The ITU’s ICT Development Index is a comprehensive measure of how countries are advancing towards universal and meaningful connectivity (UMC), ensuring that digital access is available to all citizens, irrespective of their location. This year’s IDI data showcases the rapid digital advancements occurring across the globe, with a particular emphasis on low-income economies, which saw significant gains in internet access, mobile broadband penetration, and affordability.
Global progress has been noticeable, with the average IDI score for the 170 economies assessed standing at 74.8 out of 100, an improvement of 3.3 per cent compared to the previous year. Interestingly, the most substantial improvements came from low-income countries, whose scores increased by an average of 13.7 per cent due to rising internet usage and enhanced digital infrastructure. These developments highlight the efforts made by governments and private sectors to bridge the digital divide despite the persistent gap between low-income and high-income economies.
High-income economies, with an average score of 91.7, experienced only a modest increase of 1.4 per cent, reflecting their already mature digital ecosystems. In contrast, low-income economies still lag significantly, with an average score of 36.2, illustrating the ongoing challenges these nations face in achieving digital equity.
Ghana’s performance shows the country’s growing dedication to expanding its ICT infrastructure and increasing digital inclusion for all citizens. The government’s policies aimed at improving broadband access and affordability have contributed to the nation’s rise in the rankings. However, the challenges of sustaining this momentum and closing the digital gap between urban and rural areas remain pressing.
Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, commented on the varying paces of digital development across the world. “Each nation’s digital journey is distinct. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every country must navigate its path, confronting its unique challenges to progress in the digital era.”
