Africa UN Knowledge Hub for COVID-19

The purpose of this report is to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on the digital economy throughout Africa. It unpacks how the digital economy has changed, with particular attention to digital trade across sectors and regions. The intent is to provide a better understanding of Africa’s digital economy during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This report begins by highlighting notable trends in the digital economy before and during the first half of 2020. Topics covered range from the growth of the venture capital funding in Africa to advances made in mobile and internet penetration. This part of the report demonstrates a rapidly changing digital environment that still has much to accomplish.