The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has revealed that African businesses are paying up to 35% more for technology than their global peers, hindering digital adoption and growth. Speaking at GITEX Nigeria 2025, IFC’s Dahlia Khalifa stated that despite widespread mobile and internet access, challenges like inadequate infrastructure, limited financing, and skills gaps prevent firms from maximizing technology’s potential. The IFC estimates that bridging this digital divide could unlock growth for over 600,000 formal businesses and 40 million micro-enterprises across the continent, boosting productivity and jobs. To achieve this, the IFC is calling for stronger partnerships between governments, the private sector, and global institutions to expand broadband, energy, and digital infrastructure.
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