What Will It Take to Scale Healthtech Innovation in Africa?

How Inclusive Design is Revolutionizing Nigeria’s Unbanked Digital Landscape

Update A New Era for Inclusivity in Nigeria's Digital Landscape Imagine trying to pay a bill online but being blocked by small text you can’t read. In Nigeria, a significant number of people face challenges just as frustrating as that. Many digital platforms overlook the country’s vast diversity in language, culture, and socioeconomic factors, leaving millions without access to valuable services. Understanding the Obstacles to Digital Access The challenge of digital exclusion in Nigeria reaches many demographics. Individuals with physical disabilities often find digital tools incompatible with assistive technologies like screen readers. Moreover, the digital divide is stark for less tech-savvy users, especially those with low literacy levels. Platforms that use complex terminology with little support for local languages deter these users, and rural areas often lack reliable smartphone access and internet connectivity. Innovative Solutions from Nigerian Enterprises Despite these challenges, the entrepreneurial spirit in Nigeria is sparking solutions aimed at inclusivity. The use of USSD banking services demonstrates this shift. Services like those from eTranzact, GTBank, and FirstBank allow individuals to make transactions without the need for an internet connection, thus serving those in rural areas better. Additionally, banks are rolling out features such as voice-guided ATMs that encourage accessibility for visually impaired users. Urgent Opportunities for Inclusivity in the Micro Pension Sector A critical segment ripe for digital design inclusivity is the Micro Pension Plan targeting informal workers, which represent a remarkable 76.7% of Nigeria's workforce. The challenge lies in the current financial infrastructure which doesn’t cater effectively to tradespeople and informal workers. Innovators have a golden opportunity here to bring forth user-friendly digital solutions that will safeguard the retirement of Nigeria's informal sector. Beyond Finance: The Shift into Diverse Digital Needs Inclusivity should not remain confined to financial apps; it should extend to areas like transportation and education as well. Navigation apps that utilize accents familiar to Nigerians would enhance usability, bridging gaps for many users. Inclusive designs are essential for a digitally transformed future in Africa. Conclusion: The Future is Inclusive The drive for inclusivity is not just a tech responsibility; it’s a social imperative. Tech entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses alike must champion digital designs that consider every user. Inclusion will not only enhance service delivery but will also empower countless Nigerians to thrive in an evolving digital economy.