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World Bank says Mideast, North Africa ripe for 'digital transformation'

Despite the regions' potential, the use of the internet for financial transactions is low in the Middle East and North Africa, according to a new World Bank report.

A student uses a computer in a lab room at the IT training center in Morocco's central city of Khouribga on Nov. 17, 2020.
A student uses a computer in a lab room at the IT training center in Morocco's central city of Khouribga on Nov. 17, 2020. — FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty Images

The World Bank released a report Wednesday on the digital economy of the Middle East and North Africa. 

The authors of the report argued that the region is suffering from a “digital paradox.” The use of social media is relatively high in the Middle East and North Africa, considering the area’s gross domestic product. However, the use of the internet and digital tools to make payments is low, according to the DC-based financial institution. 

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