Kenya has been ranked at the top position in the 2023 Eastern Africa Youth Digital Readiness Index.
Kenya is followed by Rwanda and Uganda in second and third position respectively.
The report indicates that Ethiopia and Tanzania ranked 4th and 5th as Sudan, DRC, and Somalia occupied the sixth, seventh, and eighth positions.
The report justifies Kenya's position citing its extensive mobile money system, infrastructural investments made by the government, and digital literacy campaigns.
Although the country still grapples with issues of unequal access to technology in rural areas, the report says that that is a common problem within the region.
The new 2023 Eastern Africa Youth Digital Readiness Index by Qhala - a digital transformation and innovation management company analyses factors such as digital skills, government support, and online safety.
Its goal was to identify areas for improvement and promote collaboration across the region to bridge the digital divide and empower young people.
The study also indicates that several countries saw an increase in mobile money adoption, fostering financial inclusion.
Mobile money penetration is rising in Sudan, with platforms like MTN Mobile Money and Zain Cash gaining traction.
DRC Congo is also experiencing a rise in Mobile Money adoption with platforms like M-Pesa and Orange Money. This mobile money usage surge fosters a cashless society and boosts financial security for many Congolese.
South Sudan is also experiencing a surge in mobile money adoption. Platforms like Equitel Mobile Money and mJang are facilitating financial inclusion, particularly in rural areas where traditional banking is scarce.
According to Dr Shikoh Gitau, the Founder and CEO of Qhala, the 2023 Eastern Africa Youth Digital Readiness Index serves as a valuable tool for policymakers, businesses, civil society, and educational institutions, providing nuanced insights into the digital landscape of Eastern African countries offering a roadmap for strategic interventions to foster digital readiness and innovation.
“The essence of digital readiness extends beyond mere technological adoption. It encompasses a country's potential to evolve into a digitally driven, skills-endowed, innovation-centric, and sustainable economy. Recognizing the significance of this paradigm shift, we present the 2023 Eastern Africa Youth Digital Readiness Index, a quantitative measure designed to gauge the digital potential and performance of Eastern African countries,” she said.
Because of its youthful population, Gitau believes that the 2023 Eastern Africa Youth Digital Readiness will catalyse the continent's digital economy.
"The youth are a major force behind the region's digital development because of their propensity for entrepreneurship, great love for digital tools, and capacity to adapt to new technology," explains Gitau.
“A digitally ready youth population enhances the global competitiveness of Eastern Africa. Countries with a strong digital infrastructure and a skilled workforce are more attractive to global investors and can participate more effectively in the global digital marketplace."
Every year, the Youth Digital Readiness Index Report will be published to provide an update on every country's performance and status.
The project aims to assess progress, influence governmental decisions, empower the young, and advance regional development.