Africa is at the cusp of a digital revolution that could not only transform its economies but also set a global example for sustainable development. According to the 2024 Digital Economy Report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), launched on July 10, Africa is well-positioned to create a sustainable digital economy by leveraging its abundant mineral resources, expanding eco-friendly data centres, and enhancing e-waste management practices. This push towards a circular digital economy holds the potential to reduce environmental impact while fostering inclusive growth across the continent.
The Environmental Toll of the Global Digital Sector
The report highlights the significant environmental challenges posed by the global digital sector, particularly for developing countries. The authors argue that adopting sustainable practices in the digital economy is crucial, as it will have a profound impact on the future of humanity and the planet’s health. The rapid digital transformation is occurring alongside growing concerns over resource depletion, climate change, pollution, and waste generation—issues that are inextricably linked to the Earth’s ecological boundaries.
UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan, in a statement accompanying the report, emphasized the need to harness digitalization to promote inclusive and sustainable development while mitigating its adverse environmental effects. She urged that the digital economy must transition to more sustainable practices to ensure it contributes positively to the global effort to combat climate change and other environmental crises.
Africa’s Mineral Wealth: A Catalyst for Sustainable Development
Africa’s rich mineral reserves are pivotal to the continent’s digital transformation and its potential to lead in sustainable digital practices. The continent is home to significant untapped mineral resources, including copper, tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold, lithium, and cobalt—critical components for manufacturing digital technologies like computers and mobile phones. As the global demand for these minerals, particularly graphite, lithium, and cobalt, is expected to surge by 500 percent by 2050, Africa’s role in the global supply chain is set to become increasingly vital.
However, the report stresses that this mineral wealth must be managed responsibly. It calls for policies that not only reduce emissions during the mining process but also ensure that the benefits from these resources are equitably distributed. Moreover, the report underscores the importance of moving up the value chain by processing these minerals domestically, which would create jobs, increase revenue, and reduce the continent’s dependency on raw material exports.
The authors also highlight the need for a just, low-carbon, and digital technology transition that integrates human rights considerations. They point out that resource extraction and processing have far-reaching environmental impacts, accounting for 60 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, over 90 percent of biodiversity loss, and 40 percent of pollution-related health issues.
Building a Sustainable Digital Infrastructure
One of the emerging trends identified in the report is the growing number of data centres in Africa. Currently, the continent accounts for less than 1 percent of the world’s existing data centres, with most of them concentrated in South Africa. However, new data centres are emerging in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria, signaling a broader digital expansion across the continent.
To ensure a sustainable digital economy, these data centres must adopt eco-friendly practices. This includes utilizing renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and implementing effective cooling systems to reduce their carbon footprint. Additionally, the report emphasizes the need to address the increasing volumes of electronic waste (e-waste) generated by the rapid digitalization. Effective e-waste management is crucial to prevent environmental contamination and recover valuable materials that can be reused in new technologies.
A Path Forward for Africa
The 2024 Digital Economy Report paints a promising picture of Africa’s potential to lead in building a sustainable digital economy. By responsibly managing its mineral resources, developing eco-friendly digital infrastructure, and addressing e-waste, Africa can not only drive its own development but also contribute to global sustainability efforts. The continent’s path forward lies in adopting an integrated approach that balances economic growth with environmental stewardship, ensuring that the digital revolution benefits both people and the planet.
