African businesses are grappling with technology expenses significantly higher than the global norm, with costs reportedly up to 35% above international averages, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has revealed.
Speaking at GITEX Nigeria 2025 in Lagos, Dahlia Khalifa, IFC’s Regional Director for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, stressed that the continent’s digital potential remains underutilized. While most firms have access to mobile networks and the internet, adoption of advanced digital tools is limited by inadequate infrastructure, skill gaps, and funding constraints.
IFC research highlights a striking opportunity: over 600,000 formal enterprises and 40 million micro-businesses stand to benefit from a digital transformation that could improve productivity, wages, and job quality across Africa.
Khalifa urged a partnership-driven approach, combining government policies, private sector initiatives, and international investment. “Infrastructure lays the foundation, but entrepreneurship drives growth. We need reliable broadband, modern data centres, clean energy, and a digitally skilled workforce to fully unlock the continent’s potential,” she said.
IFC has already poured $6 billion into Africa’s digital ecosystem over the past decade, funding projects such as Nigeria’s Raxio Group data centre and WIOCC fibre expansions. Beyond infrastructure, the IFC supports startups in fintech, healthtech, edtech, and e-commerce—including Andela, Trade Depot, and Wave Mobile Legend—helping create jobs and expand digital services.
The message is clear: Africa’s tech revolution is possible, but reducing costs and improving access remain crucial.
