Exposing the major determinants of digital divide in Southern Africa

Abstract

In this paper a quantitative analysis of factors that affect broadband growth and penetration in southern African region is integrated with that of the qualitative factors to espouse the major determinants of a digital divide or low broadband uptake in the region. Two sets of analyzed data are presented and meta-inferences are drawn as major determinants of broadband growth and penetration (BGP) are exposed. A mixed methods approach was used in this research whereby Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used for analysis of quantitative data and Atlas. ti for qualitative data. The ultimate goal was to come up with a proposed framework for broadband growth and penetration for southern Africa as a tool for decision makers.