This study assesses the extent of digital inclusion among Afro-Brazilian populations and businesses, and the market opportunity that improved digital inclusion represents. It aims to understand how investments in digital infrastructure, business transformation, and skills can effectively reduce the digital divide and empower Afro-Brazilians, thereby contributing to broader socio-economic development. To do so, the study examines the current status of digital inclusion among Afro-Brazilian individuals and businesses, the current state of the telecommunications infrastructure, and the state of digital literacy and labor market requirements for digital skills.
Authors
Irazábal Briceño, Irene, Serrano, Jimena, Santana, Synthia Kariny Silva de
- DOI
- http://dx.doi.org/10.18235/0013052
- Pages
- 68
- Published in
- United States of America
Table of Contents
- Executive Summary 5
- Definitions 9
- List of Acronyms 10
- 1. Introduction: What is the scope of this study? 12
- 1.1 Project Objective 12
- 1.2 Justification 12
- 1.3 Target markets and pathways to impact 15
- 1.4 Research questions 17
- 1.5. Limitations 19
- 2. Context: Overview of digital access and inclusion for Afro-Brazilians 21
- 2.1 Overall picture of digital exclusion in Brazil 21
- 2.2 Afro-Brazilian population 22
- 2.3 Afro-Brazilian businesses 26
- 3. Findings & business case for investment in each pathway to impact 29
- 3.1. Pathway 1: Connectivity and affordability (digital infrastructure and devices) 29
- 3.1.1. How would targeted (potentially geographically) investments in physical digital infrastructure create opportunities to enhance digital inclusion for Afro-Brazilian populations and businesses? 29
- 3.1.2. What investment opportunities can enable Afro-Brazilian populations to access better economic opportunities, given the over representation of Afro-Brazilians in the population who accesses the Internet directly from their smartphones? 33
- Closing remarks for Pathway 1 36
- 3.2 Pathway 2: Digital transformation of Afro-Brazilian and other businesses 37
- 3.2.1 What opportunities would arise from the digital transformation of Afro-Brazilian businesses? What role can financial intermediaries play in supporting Afro-Brazilian entrepreneurs and MSMEs? 37
- 3.2.2. How are Afro-Brazilian businesses benefiting from e-commerce? Why and what are they missing out on by not accessing e-commerce opportunities? 43
- Closing remarks for Pathway 2 44
- 3.3 Pathway 3: Increasing digital skills and competencies through investments and advisory services 45
- 3.3.1 How will the anticipated automation and technological developments in Brazil impact Afro-Brazilians, and how can these impacts be mitigated? 45
- 3.3.2. What non-financial services will be needed to support Afro-Brazilian digital literacy and competencies? 48
- Closing remarks for Pathway 3 52
- 4. Size of the market opportunity for Afro-Brazilian populations and businesses 54
- 5. Leveraging Innovative Finance and Partnerships for Digital Inclusion 57
- 6. Conclusions and final recommendations 61
- Annex 1: Methodology details 63
- Primary and Secondary Data Sources 63
- Data sources and calculation methodology 63
- I - Pathway 1: Connectivity and affordability (digital infrastructure and devices) 63
- II - Pathway 2: Digital transformation of Afro-Brazilian and other businesses 65
- III - Pathway 3 - Increasing digital skills and competencies through investments and advisory services. 66
- Annex 2: Brazilian Government initiatives focused on digital inclusion 67
