The Political Economy of Digital Economy in Nigeria and the Challenge of Underserved and Marginalised Communities: Interrogating the Prospects for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

Abstract

A defining feature of contemporary global economic development is the digital economy, which emerged in reshaping production systems, labour markets, governance practices, and social relations (World Bank, 2023). While digitalisation is frequently framed as an inclusive growth pathway, empirical evidence from developing economies suggests that its benefits could be unevenly distributed and often reinforce existing inequalities. This paper critically examines the challenges faced by underserved and marginalised communities in Nigeria’s digital economy using a qualitative political economy framework. Drawing on secondary data from peer-reviewed journals, policy documents, and multilateral development reports, the study demonstrates that Nigeria’s digital transformation reproduces long-standing exclusions rooted in geography, gender, class, education, and institutional capacity. The findings reveal a persistent gap between inclusive digital policy rhetoric and exclusionary implementation outcomes. The paper argues that embedding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) into digital governance is not only a normative imperative but a strategic condition for sustainable digital development. Evidence-based policy recommendations are being advanced to reposition Nigeria’s digital economy as inclusive, participatory, and development-oriented.