Digital Inequality And The New Development Divide In Africa: A Review of Nigerian Experience From Access To Advantage

Abstract

Digital expansion across Africa has intensified debates on whether connectivity alone is sufficient to drive inclusive development, particularly in countries marked by deep socio-economic inequality such as Nigeria. This paper examined digital inequality and the emerging development divide in Africa through a critical review of the Nigerian experience, with specific attention to the shift from digital access to digital advantage. The objectives of the paper were to analyse the nature and extent of digital inequality in Nigeria, situate the Nigerian experience within the broader African development context, examine how variations in digital access shape socio-economic advantages, and assess the factors influencing the effectiveness of digital inclusion policies in Nigeria. Anchored in Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach, the paper conceptualised digital technologies as resources whose development value depends on people’s ability to convert access into meaningful socio-economic outcomes. The study adopted a systematic review methodology relying on secondary data drawn from peer-reviewed scholarly literature and authoritative institutional sources selected through clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings reveal persistent regional, income and educational disparities in digital access and use, with evidence that increased connectivity has not translated into equitable development benefits. Instead, digital inequality reinforces existing socio-economic divides by limiting the ability of disadvantaged groups to utilise digital tools for education, employment and economic participation. The paper concluded that addressing digital inequality in Nigeria requires a shift from infrastructure-centred strategies to capability-enhanced interventions. It therefore recommended integrated policies that prioritise digital skills development, affordability, regional equity in infrastructure provision and alignment of digital inclusion initiatives with broader socio-economic development strategies.