BRICS should bridge digital divide among member states

The digital divide in the Global South is an issue that needs to be addressed and the BRICS nations can play a leading role in bridging the gap.

An action plan for the development of digital China-Africa cooperation was released during a forum on digital cooperation in Beijing on July 30. Early in July at the BRICS Civil Forum in Moscow, discussions highlighted the varying impacts and benefits of digital technology in member nations.

A representative from Ethiopia noted that women were often overloaded with housework, limiting their ability to earn an income and improve their living conditions. In contrast, a representative from India shared examples of digital tools significantly improving women's health in that country.

A representative from the United Arab Emirates emphasized the role of digital technology in enhancing children's education and ensuring their participation in the development of artificial intelligence.

Participating in the forum, I highlighted how social commerce tools from China have transformed the lives of women in Nigeria, showcasing the power of digital technology to drive socioeconomic change and empower individuals across different regions.

As the world becomes increasingly digital, I believe that digital solutions are critical for changing people's lives, and even a country's economic norms.

Recently the disparity in internet access and digital literacy among different regions has become more apparent. This digital divide is also significant in the BRICS countries-Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Addressing this divide is essential for fostering inclusive growth and ensuring that all members of society can benefit from the digital revolution.

According to the International Telecommunication Union, as of the end of 2023, 67 percent of the global population used the internet, yet 2.6 billion people remain offline.

In the context of BRICS countries, internet access varies significantly, from as low as 18 percent in Ethiopia to as high as 99 percent in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This disparity highlights the need for targeted strategies to enhance digital inclusion and build a role model within BRICS countries to promote digital equality and a prosperous future together. Solutions to its own problems can provide hope and examples for other developing nations.

The following recommendations can help BRICS countries to narrow the digital divide:

1. Infrastructure development: Investing in high-speed and reliable internet infrastructure is crucial, especially in underserved areas. This foundational step ensures that all regions have necessary connectivity to participate in the digital economy.

2. Supportive policies: Formulating inclusive policies that address the needs of vulnerable groups, including women, youth and senior citizens, is vital. These policies should focus on removing barriers to digital access and promoting equitable opportunities for all.

3. Affordability: Reducing the cost of digital access, including devices and data services, is essential to make the internet more accessible to all socioeconomic groups. Subsidies and affordable pricing models can play a significant role.

4. Digital literacy: Promoting digital literacy programs ensures that citizens are not only connected, but also proficient in using digital tools. Digital literacy is a critical component that empowers individuals to fully engage with and benefit from digital technologies.

5. BRICS cooperation and partnerships: By fostering collaboration among BRICS countries and establishing partnerships with tech firms and service providers, we can leverage collective expertise and resources. This cooperation can build collaborative digital economy projects to empower citizens, showcase pilot projects that improve the country's status, and share best practices worldwide.

6. Monitoring and evaluation: Establishing mechanisms to regularly assess the progress and impact of digital inclusion initiatives is necessary to ensure ongoing improvements and adjustments. Continuous evaluation helps maintain focus and effectiveness in bridging the digital divide.

Bridging the digital gap in BRICS countries requires a multifaceted approach involving infrastructure development, policy support, affordability, digital literacy, and international cooperation. By working together and leveraging each country's strengths, BRICS nations can develop positive pilot projects and create a more inclusive and prosperous digital future for all, especially for the Global South, which has been long burdened by inequality.

The author is a member of the Information and Cybersecurity, Digital Development Working Group of the BRICS Civil Forum and a partner at Union Communications, a policy advocacy organization in Hong Kong.