The advent of digital innovation has revolutionised our world, bringing immense benefits to individuals, societies, and economies. It has boosted efficiency and productivity and fostered opportunities for creativity and expansion. Additionally, it has facilitated connectivity, broken down geographical barriers, and enabled cultural exchange. The development of digital innovation has also unlocked new opportunities, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies have enormous potential to transform entire industries, paving the way for novel economic growth and value creation.

Despite the far-reaching benefits of the digital revolution, some segments of the world population, notably southern women as compared to women in the Global North, have not been able to leverage these benefits fully. Gender digital exclusion, a phenomenon where women and girls are disproportionately left behind in accessing and using digital technologies and services, is a pervasive problem hindering the realisation of a fully inclusive digital future.

Barriers to Women's Full Participation in Digital Space: Social, Economic, and Cultural Factors

The reasons for gender digital exclusion are numerous and complex. Traditional gender roles, limited access to technology and internet connectivity, online harassment and violence, and a lack of female role models are just a few of the factors that contribute to this issue. Traditional gender roles and societal expectations often constrain women and girls from participating in digital innovation. This Issue emanates from factors such as power hierarchies, gender stereotypes and social views about the internet and technology within the household and society. For instance, in most households in the Global South, gender and age pose as factors which determine who is given priority to use digital tools within the family; elder female siblings had less time to use digital devices as they were given more domestic and care tasks. Yet another social norm – low confidence among women in using digital tools- prevents women and girls from pursuing more complex digital tasks and creates a gender gap in digital literacy that hinders their ability to participate fully in the digital economy.

Gender-based discrimination within the digital industry is another significant factor contributing to gender exclusion in the digital space. Women and girls frequently encounter biases and discriminatory practices, hindering their access to equal opportunities and resources. These include unequal pay, limited job opportunities, and a lack of representation in leadership roles.

Access to technology and internet connectivity significantly limit southern women’s participation in digital space. Many women and girls in the global south still lack access to basic technology and internet connectivity. A report from OECD indicated that South Asia Women are, on average, 70% less likely than men to have a smartphone, while Africa’s estimate is 34 per cent     . One reason for this could be their exclusion from economic activities. This will ultimately make them unable to afford the cost of technology and internet connectivity. The high cost of digital devices and infrastructure can be a significant barrier to access, particularly in rural areas. This limits their ability to use digital services and participate in digital innovation.

There are also issues around online harassment and the lack of female role models. For the former, women and girls are disproportionately affected by online harassment and violence, which deters them from participating in digital spaces and expressing their views online. For

instance, the issue of cyberbullying - women in the global south are often targeted with cyberbullying, which can take many forms, including online hate speech, revenge porn, threats, and harassment. This has a significant impact on women’s mental health and well- being. For the latter, women are underrepresented in the digital industry, indicating few female role models for women and young girls to look up to, thereby limiting their motivation to pursue a career in technology and innovation. These barriers are particularly acute for women in the Global South, where poverty, inequality, and social and cultural norms restrict their access to education, healthcare, and other basic services.

The High Stakes of Gender Digital Exclusion: Consequences for Women and Development

Gender digital exclusion, the unequal access to and use of digital technologies and services, has far-reaching consequences for women and girls. These consequences include limited access to information, affecting their ability to make informed decisions on important issues such as health, education, and employment. The lack of access to digital technology and skills limits women's economic opportunities, perpetuating gender-based economic inequalities and impeding economic growth in the long term. Women excluded digitally face challenges in accessing critical services such as healthcare and education and participating in political processes.

Digital exclusion can have significant implications for women's ability to participate in public life and advocate for their rights and interests. In today's world, digital platforms and technologies have become essential tool for civic engagement, allowing people to express their opinions, organise collective action and socialise. Women who lack access to digital technology and skills may be unable to participate in this digital sphere, limiting their ability to engage in important public debates, advocacy efforts and entertainment. For instance, in Nigeria, digital platforms like Twitter have become critical tools for organising and mobilising social and political movements sharing information and resources related to human and women's rights. Women who lack access to these platforms may be unable to participate in these important initiatives, leaving them marginalised and disempowered. Furthermore, digital technology has become an important tool for political participation, allowing citizens to engage with their elected representatives, share their opinions on policy issues, and participate in political campaigns. Women who lack access to digital technology may be unable to participate in these important political processes, limiting their ability to advocate for policies that reflect their interests and needs.

Finally, exclusion from digital spaces can limit women's ability to contribute to innovation and development in their communities and countries. When women are excluded from digital spaces, their perspectives and experiences are not represented, and this can lead to a lack of creativity and diversity. Creativity and diversity are crucial for innovation because they bring together different ideas, perspectives, and experiences to create new solutions and approaches to problems. Women's unique perspectives and experiences are not considered when they are excluded, limiting innovation and development.

Actions to Address Gender Digital Exclusion

To address this issue and build a more inclusive digital future for women, there is an urgent need to prioritise women's representation and participation and address digital inequality. Southern women must be included in decision-making and given an equal voice in shaping digital policies and programs. This can be achieved through formal mechanisms such as quotas and more informal approaches such as involving women's organisations and networks.

In addition, Southern women in the Global south should be provided with the necessary skills and resources to participate effectively in the digital economy. This can include digital literacy programs, access to technology, and mentorship opportunities. Support networks, such as online platforms and community-based initiatives, can help Southern women overcome the challenges they face in accessing and participating in the digital economy.

To ensure that women and girls across the Global South have equal rights to an open, safe, and free digital space, it is crucial to collaborate with various stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, civil society organisations, and organisations academic institutions. Only by working together can we ensure that the Global South's women are not marginalised and have an equal opportunity to participate in the digital economy. Another way to tackle this is by safeguarding digital rights and liberties by enacting legislation that prohibits cyberbullying. Also, establishing an online law enforcement monitoring unit will help promote digital safety for women.

Building a more inclusive digital future for women is not only a matter of social justice but also critical for achieving sustainable and equitable development. We can unlock their full potential and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals by enabling women and girls to access and use digital technologies and services. It is time to act and ensure that the digital revolution benefits everyone, including the most marginalised and vulnerable.

Obesity is on the rise globally, with 1 billion people predicted will be living with the disease by 2030. Obesity is no longer just a disease of rich countries. The incidence of the disease is now more pronounced in lower and middle-income countries, especially in poorer and more vulnerable communities. Evidence from recent systematic review and meta-analysis shows that as at 2020, there were more than 21 million overweight and 12 million obese ‘persons in the Nigerian population aged 15 years or more, accounting for an age-adjusted prevalence of about 20 percent and 12 percent respectively’. Figure 1 below further shows clearly that the number of people living with obesity (BMI>25kg/m²) in Nigeria is rising steadily. The causal factors for increased body mass index (BMI) include eating patterns, physical activity levels, and sleep routines

The World Obesity Federation (WOF) also shows that the Nigeria has a high national obesity risk with a score of 7.5/10. The WOF also shows that Nigeria’s chance of meeting the UN adult obesity targets for 2025 is very poor (sadly 0%) for both men and women. Failing to meet the obesity target jeopardizes other NCD targets, including the World Health Organization’s target of a 25% reduction of premature deaths from several leading non-communicable diseases by 2025.  

People living with obesity may be at a greater risk of other chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, many types of cancers, and premature death. Obesity increases the risk of certain mental disorders such as depression. The disease is also associated with cognitive decline, enhanced vulnerability to brain impairment and accelerate age-related diseases of the nervous system. Moreover, childhood obesity can severely affect children’s physical health, social, and emotional wellbeing, academic performance and self-esteem. Obese children also more likely to experience respiratory problems such as asthma, sleep disorders such as difficulty breathing while asleep (sleep apnea), high blood pressure and elevated blood cholesterol.  …..

Obesity has significant impact on the Nigeria economy. Data from the global obesity observatory shows that in 2019, the economic impact of overweight and obesity in Nigeria was estimated to be over N1 trillion (US$2.37 billion). This is equivalent to US$12 per capita and 0.5% of GDP. Direct costs and indirect costs made up 20.2% and 79.8% of total costs respectively. By 2060, the cost implication of obesity, including healthcare and reduced productivity, among others, will amount to over US$35.38 billion. Without urgent intervention, the continuing increase in adult and childhood obesity will overwhelm the already precarious health care system of Nigeria and increase the high risk of lost productivity in the Nigerian economy. Therefore, the need for substantial policy interventions to prevent the rise of obesity in the nation cannot be overemphasized.

Currently, Nigeria’s health policies, interventions and actions aimed at reducing the prevalence of obesity include promoting breastfeeding, pre-packaged food (labelling) regulations, food-based dietary guidelines and the recent tax on sugar–sweetened beverages. Excess sugar consumption, especially from sugar-sweetened beverages has been consistent linked to increased risk of overweight and obesity in children, adolescents, and adults. Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) to address obesity.

In 2021, Nigeria joined more than 54 other countries that have introduced taxes on SSBs. The SSB tax which is embedded in the Finance Act of 2021, levies a ₦10 tax on each litre of all non-alcoholic and sugar sweetened carbonated drinks. Recent development shows that the federal government commenced the implementation of the SSB tax on 1st June 2022.

Global evidence has consistently revealed that taxation of sugar sweetened beverages is an effective policy tool for reducing their consumption and consequently reducing the prevalence of sugar induced diseases including obesity. For example, a modelling study shows that the United Kingdom’s tax on soft drinks could potentially save up to 144,000 persons from obesity annually, prevent 19,000 cases of type 2 diabetes and avoid 270,000 incidences of decayed teeth. In South Africa, a 10% tax on SSBs was predicted to avert 8,000 type 2 diabetes’ related premature deaths. Similarly, in Indonesia, empirical evidence shows that SSB tax can help to reduce the number of overweight and obese and prevent over a million cases of diabetes. In addition, numerous empirical studies shows that that effective taxes on SSBs can lead to significant reductions in Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). 

It is therefore evident and plausible to conclude that taxation of SSB in Nigeria has the potential to reduce the health and economic burden of obesity in the country. However, greater public support for the policy measure is needed in Nigeria, and the fiscal revenue should be earmarked for improving the healthcare system and as well as providing healthy alternatives such as safe drinking water.  

This paper examines in great detail the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the Nigerian economy for the purpose of informing experts and non-experts alongside providing recommendations to the government. Specifically, it evaluates the trade, monetary, fiscal and macroeconomic conditions of the economy since the war began, as well as debt vulnerabilities, whilst discussing the official response so far, and seeking to forge a path for the government and its international partners.

Nigeria’s monetary and fiscal conditions have deteriorated since the war began. As a major oil producer, one could expect that Nigeria would benefit, without nuance, from higher energy prices. This has not been the case: declining oil production at a time when oil prices led to less of an export boost than expected. Moreover, the rise in the global price of food and fertilisers has translated to higher input costs for households and firms. Meanwhile, spending on oil imports and other merchandise imports, as well as various services (for instance, medical payments and tuition fees) are significant enough to have increased the demand for foreign exchange, consuming most of the increase in income associated with being an oil-exporter and causing a depreciation of the naira.

On monetary policy, the CBN’s financing of the government deficit has also created a weakness that has questioned its independence and made the naira increasingly vulnerable to speculation. Put together, tolerating these domestic economic weaknesses has contributed to the depreciation of the naira, which is not completely reflected in the official foreign exchange market. With stagnation in non-oil revenues and continuous increase in public spending, the government has had to increasingly turn to debt to finance its development needs. The IMF classified Nigeria’s debt as sustainable but points out that threats exist over the medium run, due to the high ratio of interest payments to public revenue.

The analysis presented in the paper shows that war will have a positive impact on real income at the macro level. Considering the increase in prices experienced in the first half of 2022, real income at the macro level is expected to increase by 3.6% in 2022 while multi-year simulations find that real income will increase by 3.9% in 2023 and 2024, as Nigeria gains from being a net exporter of fuel and natural gas and loses on the basis that it is a net importer of food commodities such as wheat.

However, the results at the household level are quite different: the ultra-poor households are worst hit by the war – food expenses are taking a higher share of their income. Further analysis shows that all households experience a decline in average real income (welfare gains are negative). But the lowest quintile households suffer the most from higher expenditure, (3.3% relative to 1.4% for the top quintile) while they experience a decline in average real income (-0.4%).

This publication was first published by the Finance for Development Lab. Click to read more here

Learning assessments have played a key role in highlighting the extent of the learning crisis in Nigeria. The next step to addressing learning is improving assessments to close data gaps that still exist, and responding to evidence from them.

Large-scale learning assessments conducted in Nigeria have been crucial in examining the breadth and depth of the nation’s learning crisis. Results of learning assessments conducted over the last 25 years indicate five things:

1. Literacy and numeracy attainments at the basic school level are consistently low.
2. Attainment rates have been declining over time.
3. Foundational skills acquired at an early age stimulate advanced learning. 
4. Assessing children early and at various grade levels is critical.
5. Any policy, effort, or programme to improve learning outcomes must be informed by context.

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Over the years, the Nigerian government has deployed development financing initiatives to boost food production through increased access to finance for farmers and other small businesses in the sector. While progress may have been made in some areas, the country is still at a critical juncture, as access to food and its affordability remain a major problem for a large part of the population. This brief aims to examine how the government’s financing policies to improve food production have fared, given the prevailing economic conditions in the country. The focus is particularly on such financing programmes as administered by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). It will highlight progress with these financing programmes and discuss other challenges to food production, which are possible drivers of the rising food inflation in the country.