The World Bank Group has unveiled a new strategy to expand internet access, make smartphones and data more affordable and create jobs in developing countries.
The strategy, announced in a statement, aims to help more people and businesses benefit from digital technology, while improving access to essential services and preparing countries to take advantage of artificial intelligence (AI).
World Bank Group President, Ajay Banga, said digital technology could help countries create jobs and make better use of limited resources, but stressed that reliable internet connections, affordable devices, digital skills and useful online services were necessary to achieve the benefits.
The bank said only 23 per cent of people in low-income countries used the internet, compared with 94 per cent in high-income countries, highlighting the wide gap in digital access between poorer and wealthier economies.
More than two billion people worldwide were offline in 2025, while many others living in areas with network coverage could not afford smartphones or data, or lacked the skills needed to use digital services effectively.
The World Bank’s strategy focuses on four areas: expanding reliable internet connections, reducing the cost of smartphones and broadband services, improving digital skills and online services, and helping countries prepare for the use of AI.
Under the plan, the bank will support efforts to expand digital infrastructure, attract private investment into underserved areas and encourage competition among service providers.
It will also work with manufacturers, mobile network operators and financial institutions to explore ways of making entry-level smartphones more affordable and helping consumers pay for devices over time.
The strategy further seeks to improve access to digital identification, electronic payments and secure information-sharing systems, while supporting digital training linked to employment.
On artificial intelligence, the bank plans to help developing countries build the infrastructure, computing capacity, data resources and skills needed to use the technology for practical purposes.
Such applications could include helping farmers identify crop diseases, supporting healthcare workers and enabling small businesses to manage their stock more efficiently.
The initiative comes as developing countries face mounting pressure to create jobs for their growing populations.
According to the bank, about 1.2 billion young people in these economies are expected to reach working age over the next 10 to 15 years, while only about 420 million jobs are projected to be created.
The World Bank said digital technology could help businesses reach more customers, improve productivity and access financing, while making public services cheaper and easier to deliver.
The strategy brings together the institution’s financing, policy advice, private investment and guarantees to help governments and businesses expand digital opportunities.
It also includes safeguards covering privacy, cybersecurity and protection against online fraud.
The bank said its ultimate goal was to help developing countries turn improved digital access into higher productivity, better public services and more opportunities for people to earn a living.
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