The Majority World Report 2016, presented at the Web Summit in Lisbon, highlights the changing digital landscape. Mobile internet usage is soaring in emerging economies, with India leading the way. The country’s mobile internet users have doubled in a year, reaching 371 million.
Despite this boom, digital inequality persists. In India, only 31% of women use the internet compared to 71% of men. Globally, men are 21% more likely to be online than women.
The report also sheds light on the digital divide within countries. In Brazil, for instance, 61% of people in urban areas use the internet, compared to just 30% in rural regions.
Mobile phones are increasingly becoming the primary device for internet access. In Nigeria, 76% of internet users access the web via mobile, while only 2% use a desktop.
The report underlines the importance of local content and languages. In India, 89% of internet users prefer content in their local language.
The study also reveals the rise of digital payments. In Kenya, 58% of internet users have made a digital payment, while in Nigeria, the figure stands at 73%.
The report concludes with the prediction that by 2020, 80% of adults will own a smartphone, signifying the potential for further growth in digital inclusion.
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