The Global Digital Divide: A Cycle of Dependency Between the Global South and the West

Lucy Kebirungi

The digital divide presents a profound barrier to equitable development, especially for countries in the Global South. This gap in access to technology, skills, and infrastructure entrenches systemic inequalities, preventing these nations from fully participating in the global digital economy. Moreover, it reinforces a dependency on the Global North, creating a cycle that sustains inequality. 

Unequal Access to Digital Infrastructure

Despite advancements in digital connectivity, access remains uneven. Internet penetration is significantly higher in Europe (89%) and North America (over 80%) compared to Africa (40%) and parts of Asia (61%). The disparity is not only about availability but also affordability. Costs associated with devices, data plans, and maintenance often make digital access unattainable for many in the Global South, where per capita income is considerably lower than in the Global North. 

This lack of access directly impacts development. For instance, nations need help to build robust digital infrastructures to support industries like e-commerce, fintech, or e-learning, which thrive in digitally connected resources. Simultaneously, the reliance on Western technologies exacerbates the issue. Many Global South countries depend on software and hardware developed by North American and European firms, perpetuating a flow of resources favouring the Global North. 

Reinforcement of Dependency

Economic models in the tech sector reinforce this dependency. Western corporations dominate the production and distribution of digital tools, leaving the Global South reliant on imported technologies. Licensing fees, expensive imports, and limited technological know-how ensure that value generated from these tools occurs to Western companies, not local economies. 

For instance, while mobile money platforms like M-Pesa have revolutionized financial inclusion in East Africa, they often rely on partnerships with international firms to scale. Such arrangements siphon revenue out of local economies. Similarly, the lack of robust local alternatives in e-learning platforms forces many developing nations to adopt Western products, which are not always adapted to regional needs. 

A Structural Trap

This divide mirrors broader patterns of global economic inequality. The Global South struggles to transition into the Fourth Industrial Revolution due to infrastructural and educational deficiencies. Meanwhile, advanced economies continue investing in cutting-edge technologies, further widening the gap. As a result, nations in the Global South often need more digital skills and innovation ecosystems to compete globally. 

Moreover, the dependence on Western platforms creates vulnerabilities. Data collected by these platforms often flows back to the Global North, which fuels advancements in artificial intelligence and analytics. This dynamic not only perpetuates dependency but raises ethical concerns about data exploitation without corresponding benefits for the source nations. 

Breaking the Cycle

Addressing this systemic issue requires more than surface-level solutions. Investments in digital infrastructure are critical, as seen in initiatives like the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy, which aims to build regional capacity for connectivity and innovation. However, these efforts must be complemented by policies promoting technological independence. For instance, localized digital tools tailored to regional needs, such as Eneza Education’s mobile-based learning in Africa, can help build self-reliance. 

In addition, fostering partnerships that prioritize equitable resource distribution and knowledge transfer is essential. Collaborative frameworks where Global South countries retain control over their data and innovation outputs can prevent the siphoning of value to the Global North. This would require international regulation and a shift in how ecosystems are built and governed. 

The global divide is not just a technological issue but a structural one. Addressing it demands international cooperation, long-term investment, and policies that empower the Global South to build a sustainable and independent digital future.