撒哈拉以南非洲地区性别数字技能差距分析：现状和影响因素（英）

No. 16 | June 2025No. 16 | June 2025 Analyzing the Gender DigitalSkills Divide in Sub-SaharanAfrica: Current State andContributing FactorsAnalyzing the Gender DigitalSkills Divide in Sub-SaharanAfrica: Current State andContributing Factors Christiane Wendy Voufo, Priyal Mukesh Gala, and Maria Rebeca Barron Rodriguez © 2025 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NWWashington DC 20433Telephone: 202-473-1000Email: AskEd@worldbank.orgInternet: www.worldbank.org/en/topic/education This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations,and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board ofExecutive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the data included in this work anddoes not assume responsibility for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information, or liability withrespect to the use of or failure to use the information, methods, processes, or conclusions set forth. Theboundaries, colors, denominations, links/footnotes and other information shown in this work do not imply anyjudgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement oracceptance of such boundaries. The citation of works authored by others does not mean the World Bankendorses the views expressed by those authors or the content of their works. Nothing herein shall constitute or be construed or considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the privilegesand immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved. Please cite the work as follows: Voufo, C., P. M. Gala, and M. R. Barron Rodriguez. 2025.Analyzing the GenderDigital Skills Divide in Sub-Saharan Africa: Current State and Contributing Factors. Education Working Paper SeriesNo. 16. Washington, DC: World BankGroup. Rights and Permissions The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because The World Bank encourages dissemination of itsknowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as fullattribution to this work is given. Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to World Bank Publications,The World Bank Group, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: 202-522-2625; e-mail:pubrights@worldbank.org. Cover design: Marianne Siblini Analyzing the Gender Digital Skills Divide in Sub-Saharan Africa:Current State and Contributing Factors ChristianeWendy Voufo, Priyal Mukesh Gala, and Maria Rebeca Barron Rodriguez Abstract This paper examines the current state of the gender digital skills divide in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA),drawing on a broad set of data sources to assess disparities between men and women across keydimensions of digital readiness. The analysis explores differences in educational attainment, digital skillslevels, access to digital infrastructure and devices, labor force participation, and representation in STEMand ICT fields. It also investigates the influence of gender norms—including both societal attitudes andinternalized perceptions among women—on digital engagement and skills development. Tocontextualize regional findings, the paper compares SSA with other regions in the Global South and withHigh-Income Countries, highlighting both shared patterns and region-specific challenges. Theassessment reveals that women and girls in SSA face persistent barriers to developing and applyingdigital skills, with particularly pronounced gaps in access to internet-enabled devices, digital learningopportunities, and advanced training in STEM-related fields. These disparities are further compoundedby prevailing gender norms and limited exposure to female role models in the digital economy. Acrossmost indicators, SSA lagsboth comparator regions and global averages, underscoring the urgency ofnarrowing the divide. This paper contributes to the evidence base needed to understand the scope anddrivers of the gender digital skills gap in SSA and serves as a foundational input for future policy designand programmatic action. Keywords: Digital Skills, Gender Gap, Labor Force Participation, STEM, Gender Norms Contents Acknowledgments........................................................................................................................................ivAbbreviations................................................................................................................................................v1.Introduction.........................................................................................................................................12.Understanding the gender digital skills divide.....................................................................................52.1 The importance of addressing the gender digital skills divide.......