Digital Inclusion Dynamics in Rural Guinea-Bissau: Comparative Analysis of the Digital Divide

Digital inclusion dynamics in rural communities of Guinea-Bissau have been under-researched compared to urban areas, highlighting a significant gap in digital access and usage. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including surveys, focus groups, and interviews with community leaders. Data collection occurred in three randomly selected villages across different regions of Guinea-Bissau. The analysis revealed a stark disparity where only 20% of rural residents had access to the internet compared to over 60% in urban areas, indicating a digital divide that is exacerbated by socio-economic factors such as income and education levels. While overall internet access was low, there were significant variations within regions based on these socioeconomic indicators. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions focused on enhancing digital literacy and connectivity in rural settings. Policy recommendations include prioritising infrastructure development, subsidising internet costs, and implementing educational programmes to bridge the digital divide in rural Guinea-Bissau. Digital Inclusion, Rural Africa, Digital Divide, Guinea-Bissau