As technology evolves, digital inclusion must grow with it. Breaking down obstacles preventing people from using technology- such as poor internet access, high costs of data, and a lack of digital infrastructure- in any society requires deliberate and thoughtful effort by the government and key stakeholders. This would also require investing time, intellectual capital, and resources in creating a more equal digital landscape that ensures everyone can benefit from technology, regardless of background or circumstances. Currently, many Africans are still Digitally excluded. This problem remains a significant barrier to economic and social development in Africa. However, economic champions like Njideka Françoise Harry are helping to mitigate these challenges.
In 2022, only 22% of African households had access to the internet, and internet costs remain prohibitively high, with some African countries charging up to 20% of average monthly income for 1GB of data. The divide is particularly stark between urban and rural areas and among different socio-economic groups, limiting opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic growth. With 60% of the population offline, many Africans are excluded from digital economies, education, and essential services like telemedicine. But that’s where Njideka Françoise Harry comes in. The Nigerian innovator is a pioneering advocate for digital inclusion, bridging the digital exclusion gap.
Harry is a serial social entrepreneur dedicated to creating positive change. As the Youth for Technology Foundation (YTF) founder, she has led various initiatives to empower marginalised communities, especially women and girls, through technology.
Partnerships and milestones
In 2001, Njideka established the Youth for Technology Foundation (YTF), a non-profit organisation supported by the Nigerian Government’s Community Investment Fund and Microsoft’s Community Affairs Program. YTF aims to harness technology to enhance the well-being and opportunities of young individuals and women in underserved regions.
In 2007, YTF partnered with the United Nations Development Programme to launch a training program for female entrepreneurs in Niger Delta, Nigeria. In 2018, YTF partnered with Theirworld to launch Code Clubs in Kenya, specifically at the Makena School and Huruma Girls School. This initiative aimed to empower girls with digital skills and provide them with opportunities to reach their full potential.
Through Code Club, 120 girls from Nairobi and surrounding rural communities benefited from access to technology and mentorship, developing their technical skills, confidence, and creativity over 18 months. The program equipped participants with essential skills, enabling them to build a strong foundation in technology. The girls gained a competitive edge in Kenya’s expanding tech sector by acquiring these skills, enhancing their future job prospects.
Building on this momentum, YTF expanded its impact to Nigeria, where it trained women on the margins to use technology tools and access banking and financial services. These women became branchless banking agents, providing mobile financial services to their communities through FirstMonie, the mobile banking platform of First Bank Nigeria Ltd. This initiative has impacted over 14,000 businesses, trained over 1.6 million youth and women and inspired economic sustainability in over 4,500 communities- demonstrating the power of technology in transforming lives and communities.
In its early days, a member of the esteemed Clinton Global Initiative, YTF made a bold commitment to empower 6,000 girls who have survived or are at risk of human trafficking in five Nigerian states. This initiative recognises the transformative power of education and technology in building a new life for these vulnerable individuals. By equipping them with in-demand skills and technological expertise, YTF provides a safety net and unlocks opportunities for a brighter future.
Impact and hurdles
Njideka’s work has made a significant impact. According to a report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Nigeria’s internet penetration increased from 10% in 2010 to 43% in 2021. in 2021. YTF’s programs have also directly benefited over 10,000 young people, providing them with digital skills and economic opportunities. Despite these successes, Njideka faces challenges. Limited infrastructure, funding, and digital literacy remain significant barriers to digital inclusion. However, she remains committed to her vision.
Njideka Françoise Harry became an Ashoka Fellow in 2011. The following year, she launched the Women Entrepreneurs and Mobile Value Added Services program, supported by Mastercard, which provides young women with funding, training, and networking opportunities. In 2013, Njideka partnered with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.
