The Role of Digital Connectivity in Reducing Poverty in South Africa: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Abstract Globally, technology has taken the world like a storm and has changed many people’s lives. Technology has transformed how organisations engage consumers, obtain data and make decisions. Digital connectivity through the internet and mobile technology has been instrumental in reducing poverty by providing inclusion in areas such as financial, education and social services. This study adopted a systematic literature review to understand how digital connectivity may alleviate poverty through access to the internet and mobile technology, particularly for those marginalised communities. The study is supported by the Technology Adoption Model. The databases searched were Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, JSTOR, Scopus and Sabinet. The search words used were poverty alleviation, digital connectivity, economic inclusion, mobile internet, South Africa and ICT access. The study considered empirical studies, policy papers and peer-reviewed articles from 2013 up to 2025, published in English. The results suggest that the internet has supported many marginalised people through access to education, training, market information and life skills. In addition, the communities have benefited from access to mobile finance through transfers. Marginalised communities have managed to gain access to online markets, online health services and e-commerce. Nevertheless, the impact of digital connectivity is not fully realised due to a lack of technological resources and financial limitations. To address these limitations, there is a need for policies that cater to improved infrastructure and affordable digital technologies. This chapter suggests that utilising digital technologies may assist in reducing poverty, which is in line with the UN SDG 1.