Nigeria is one of the world’s economies to watch out for in digitalisation, says a new report, ‘Digital Intelligence Index.’
The report was released on Sunday by Tufts University in partnership with Mastercard.
Other countries to watch out for are Uganda, Colombia, Peru, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The index charted the progress countries had made in advancing their digital economies, fostering trust, and integrating connectivity into the lives of billions.
As the biggest economy in Africa with one of the largest youth populations in the world, the World Bank had in its ‘Nigeria Digital Economy Diagnostic Report’ said Nigeria was well-positioned to develop a strong digital economy that would have a transformational impact on the country.
The study showed the Middle East emerging as a hotspot for digital demand, with nations such as the United Arab Emirates leading the way.
The Dean of Global Business at The Fletcher School of the university, Bhaskar Chakravorti, said, “The pandemic may be the purest test of the world’s progress towards digitalisation. We have a clearer view on how dynamic digital economies can contribute to economic resiliency during a time of unparalleled global turmoil and can be positioned for recovery and change.”
According to the index, young people in emerging economies are demonstrating high levels of digital engagement.
Commenting on the report, Mastercard’s President, Cyber and Intelligence, Ajay Bhalla, stated, “Never before has there been such an acute need to understand the factors that drive digitalisation and digital trust.
“With that knowledge, businesses and governments can work together to help all 7.6bn people around the world benefit from the vast opportunities a digitally advanced economy can bring. Whilst much remains uncertain today, it is clear that digital success will be a key building block in our collective recovery.”
