Digital education index in cities of Africa

Victoria V. Akberdina () and Maxim V. Vlasov
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Victoria V. Akberdina: Institute of Economics, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterinburg, Russia
Maxim V. Vlasov: Institute of Economics, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterinburg, Russia

R-Economy, 2024, vol. 10, issue 3, 272-290

Abstract: Relevance. Africa presents a unique case: despite having the lowest urbanization levels in the world, it demonstrates the highest rates of urban population growth. Universities in large African cities play a key role in developing human capital by providing educational opportunities and training in digital skills necessary for participation in the digital economy. Research objectives.This article aims to assess the relationship between digital higher education, a key component of human capital, and economic development in African countries. It also explores the Digital Education Index and the factors influencing it in African cities and countries. We hypothesize that the composite Digital Education Index will reveal connections between economic development, urbanization, digital infrastructure, and digital education. Data and methods. The study uses data from African cities and countries for 2019–2022, sourced from Trading Economics, the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Free Apply, UNESCO, and the World Intellectual Property Organization. The methodology is based on an index approach, using measures of central tendency. The Digital Education Index is calculated through three sub-indices: technical accessibility of digital technologies, financial-economic accessibility of digital education, and population digital skills. Results. Digital education contributes to human capital development in Africa while reducing inequality and social vulnerability. However, progress in improving the Digital Education Index has been limited, as African universities face challenges such as restricted technology access and low living standards, which limit access to paid education. Conclusions. The study provides policy recommendations highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges of digital education development in Africa.

Keywords: Africa; cities; Digital Education Index; human capital; digital transformation; urbanization; digital education; social inequality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I25 R23 R58 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aiy:journl:v:10:y:2024:i:3:p:272-290

DOI: 10.15826/recon.2024.10.3.017

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