Nigeria lags in digital readiness, UAE leads
According to the Emerging Digital Powerhouse Index compiled by wireless connectivity provider Airgain, Nigeria ranks low in preparation for the global digital revolution, trailing some of the world's most connected regions.The study looked at average mobile internet speeds, digital skills, 5G deployment progress, and broadband affordability in 37 countries to see which countries are leading the digital future.
Airgain emphasised that in today's connected world, strong broadband, fast downloads, and dependable internet are required for daily activities such as virtual meetings, streaming, and staying in touch with loved ones.
It stated that fast internet connections are increasingly viewed as indicators of a country's digital progress and economic strength.
Along with the availability of Wi-Fi and 5G, affordability and population tech savvy are important indicators of a country's readiness for a digital future.
According to the report, South Africa ranked 35th, and Nigeria ranked 37th due to poor infrastructure and slow internet speeds.
This pushed Nigeria far behind the United Arab Emirates, which was discovered to have the fastest, most accessible, and affordable internet connectivity, as well as a tech-savvy population.
Despite significant investments in 5G deployment, fibre rollouts, and network expansion, Nigeria continues to perform poorly in terms of digital skills and internet speed.
Other emerging economies with the most work to do in the digital space include India, Indonesia, Brazil, and Mexico, with Italy the only European country in the bottom ten.
Airgain's CTO, Ali Sadri, stated, "We know African nations have long faced economic challenges, and there is a lot of work being done to improve their digital standing, so we hope they will rank much higher in the data in the coming years."
"Access to fast, dependable Internet is a game changer for any population. It not only improves connectivity, but also supports the knowledge economy, which now accounts for approximately 50% of global economic activity. Innovation thrives when people can quickly access, share, and create knowledge. Entire industries, such as healthcare, education, and technology, are being transformed, creating previously unimaginable opportunities."
The UAE ranked first for 5G connectivity, with an average mobile download speed of 413Mbps, followed by Qatar at 350Mbps and Kuwait at 257Mbps.
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