Bridging the Digital Divide: Morocco’s Struggle with Internet Poverty
The digital age promises unprecedented opportunities, yet millions remain locked out, grappling with what’s become known as “internet poverty.” A 2024 report by the World Data Lab paints a stark picture, revealing that Morocco ranks 87th globally in internet poverty, with approximately 1.6 million people, or 4.3% of the population, unable to afford basic internet access. This digital divide has far-reaching consequences, limiting access to education, employment, healthcare, and social participation.
But what exactly does internet poverty mean? It’s defined as the inability to afford a monthly 1GB internet package with a download speed of 10 Mbps, if the cost exceeds 10% of one’s daily expenditure. Imagine the limitations this places on individuals in a world increasingly reliant on digital connectivity. Think about applying for jobs online, accessing educational resources, or even connecting with loved ones – all become significant hurdles. This digital exclusion exacerbates existing inequalities and hinders social and economic progress.
While Morocco’s average monthly internet cost of US$4.4, ranking 82nd globally, might seem relatively affordable, it’s crucial to consider the context. The “Big Mac Index” for internet prices, which compares costs relative to a US baseline of 100, places Morocco at 15.2. This suggests that while cheaper than in the US, the cost remains a significant burden for many Moroccans, especially considering the country’s GDP per capita. According to the World Bank, Morocco’s GNI per capita was $3,720 in 2022, highlighting the relative weight of internet costs for a significant portion of the population. This underscores the need for affordable internet access to be considered a basic utility, much like water or electricity, crucial for full participation in modern society.
Globally, the fight against internet poverty is showing mixed results. While the overall rate has decreased by 14% compared to 2023, significant regional disparities persist. Asia, for instance, has seen a dramatic reduction, with the number of digitally impoverished nearly halving from 252 million to 166 million, driven by improvements in internet affordability and infrastructure in countries like India and Indonesia. However, Sub-Saharan Africa paints a different picture, with the number of people lacking access rising from 523 million to 545 million, reflecting deep-seated economic challenges and limited infrastructure development. This highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions and investments in these regions.
The report identifies Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mozambique as countries with the highest rates of internet poverty, exceeding 80% of their populations. Chad, in particular, saw a staggering increase from 85% in 2023 to 96.3% in 2024. These alarming figures underscore the devastating impact of conflict, political instability, and economic hardship on digital inclusion. Even in Latin America, the situation is complex. Brazil experienced a surge in internet poverty, with 22 million more people falling below the affordability threshold due to rising costs and economic instability. Conversely, Mexico made significant strides, reducing the number of digitally excluded by 8 million.
Addressing this complex challenge requires a multi-pronged approach. The report advocates for strategies that promote economic growth to raise income levels, regulate markets to reduce internet costs and foster competition, and invest in infrastructure to expand coverage and improve speeds. Crucially, it also emphasizes the importance of digital literacy programs to empower individuals to effectively utilize the internet. Collaboration between governments, the private sector, and international organizations is essential to achieve these goals and bridge the digital divide. Initiatives like the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) are working to promote policy and regulatory reforms that drive down internet costs and increase access globally. By working together, we can ensure that the transformative power of the internet benefits everyone, leaving no one behind in the digital age.
