Bridging the digital divide: exploring the challenges and solutions for digital exclusion in rural South Africa

Gardner Mwansa, Matipa Ricky Ngandu, Zolisa Mkwambi · 2025 · Discover Global Society

Summary. Digital exclusion in rural South Africa severely limits access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. This study surveyed 200 residents in Mkatazo village, finding that over half lack internet access, 38.5% cannot afford connectivity, and two-thirds lack digital skills. Cost, infrastructure gaps, and geographic isolation drive exclusion most strongly. The authors recommend expanding broadband infrastructure, subsidizing devices, zero-rating mobile data, building digital literacy, and deploying offline AI tools to bridge the divide.

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@article{mwansa-2025-bridging-digital-divide-exploring-challenges,
  title   = {Bridging the digital divide: exploring the challenges and solutions for digital exclusion in rural South Africa},
  author  = {Gardner Mwansa and Matipa Ricky Ngandu and Zolisa Mkwambi},
  journal = {Discover Global Society},
  year    = {2025},
  doi     = {10.1007/s44282-025-00189-2},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s44282-025-00189-2}
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Bridging the digital divide: exploring the challenges and solutions for digital exclusion in rural South Africa
AU  - Gardner Mwansa
AU  - Matipa Ricky Ngandu
AU  - Zolisa Mkwambi
JO  - Discover Global Society
PY  - 2025
DO  - 10.1007/s44282-025-00189-2
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1007/s44282-025-00189-2
ER  - 

Details

DOI

10.1007/s44282-025-00189-2

Countries

South Africa

Regions

Africa

Categories

broadband-and-digital, policy

Added

2026-04-28