Digital inclusion has long been defined as ensuring that all individuals and communities, particularly those marginalized, have access to and the ability to effectively use information and communication technologies (ICT). The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) broadens this by emphasizing affordable internet access, digital literacy training, technical support, and the necessary tools to fully participate in the digital world.
In a recent conversation with Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni, a passionate advocate for digital inclusion and the force behind Tech Herfrica, she shared her vision for a more inclusive digital future in Africa. Imade’s journey with Tech Herfrica has revealed that digital inclusion goes far beyond access. “We have worked with thousands of rural women across various communities, equipping them with digital skills to reach new customers, improve agricultural practices, access financial services and improve their livelihoods,” she explained. Through hands-on, tailored training programs, the organization demonstrates how women can enhance businesses through simple digital tools and applications, social media marketing, digital bookkeeping, and e-commerce.
Yet, she noted that several persistent barriers make true inclusion complex. “Ownership of digital devices remains a significant hurdle, which is why we also facilitate access to smartphones and essential tools,” she said. However, access alone is not enough. Imade highlighted three critical barriers—language, cultural relevance, and resilience—that continue to undermine digital inclusion efforts.
“Language is one of the most glaring challenges,” Imade pointed out. Africa’s linguistic diversity, with over 2,000 languages, is barely reflected in today’s digital platforms, which are predominantly designed for English or other major international languages. “Many of the women we work with come from communities where indigenous languages are their primary means of communication. They find themselves excluded from platforms that do not accommodate their linguistic needs.
Imade painted a vivid picture of the possibilities: “Imagine voice assistants that understand Hausa, Swahili, or Zulu, or financial apps guiding users in local dialects. Without this, digital inclusion remains an illusion for millions.”
Africa’s multicultural landscape requires digital solutions that reflect its diverse lifestyles and traditions. “A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work,” Imade said. She shared examples of e-commerce platforms integrating local trade customs or fintech apps accommodating communal savings models. “When digital tools respect cultural nuances, they not only enhance user experience but also build trust and drive adoption.”
Africa’s communities have long adapted to infrastructural challenges, from inconsistent electricity supply to informal economic systems. Imade stressed that digital solutions must mirror this resilience. “The women we work with are farmers and traders who have adapted to these realities. Digital tools must support them by being adaptable to low bandwidth environments, offering offline functionalities, and integrating seamlessly with informal markets,” she explained. “When technology enhances existing resilience rather than trying to replace it, the impact is far more sustainable.”
According to her digital inclusion must be localized to succeed. “Does the platform speak the user’s language, both literally and contextually? Does it reflect their cultural background? Does it support their resilience? If the answer to any of these is no, the solution is incomplete,” she asserted.
She emphasized that localized digital inclusion is about co-creating solutions that resonate with local realities. For instance, financial services need to simplify processes and localize designs to accommodate users with varying literacy and technical skills. “This is not just a moral imperative; it is a market opportunity. It is about rethinking inclusion beyond access and striving for a situation when the solutions that we create reflect the identity of the people,”. “Africa’s informal sector and rural entrepreneurs represent billions in untapped potential. Companies that design for diversity will expand their market reach, foster innovation, and earn brand loyalty.”
Imade concluded with a call for tech leaders, policymakers, and innovators to rethink what it means to build for Africa. “Inclusion should not be approached as a tick box exercise. It is an ongoing commitment to understanding and meeting people where they are,” she said. “At Tech Herfrica, we have witnessed the transformative power of localized digital inclusion. Women who once felt disconnected from technology are now using it to grow their businesses, connect with new markets, and improve their livelihoods.”
By embracing localization, Imade believes Africa can build a digital future that truly serves everyone. “No one should be left behind,” she affirmed. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.”
Her vision offers a roadmap for others seeking to harness the potential of digital inclusion in Africa: localized, inclusive, and transformational.