World Bank Group Launches First Comprehensive Digital Strategy

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Key takeaways

The World Bank Group launched its first comprehensive Digital Strategy in Seoul, South Korea.
Over 2 billion people remained offline globally in 2025, with internet usage at 23% in low-income countries.
Developing economies expect 1.2 billion young people will reach working age in developing countries over the next 10 to 15 years while generating only 420 million jobs.

The World Bank Group recently launched its first comprehensive Digital Strategy in Seoul, South Korea.
This new framework aims to improve affordable digital connectivity and expand digital skills across developing nations.
It also focuses on boosting artificial intelligence adoption and creating new employment opportunities in poorer regions.

A massive digital divide persists globally as more than 2 billion people remained offline globally in 2025.
Internet usage at only 23% in low-income countries highlights the stark contrast against 94% in high-income countries.
Developing nations face a severe employment crisis because 1.2 billion young people will reach working age in developing countries over the next 10 to 15 years.
Local economies in these developing regions are projected to generate only 420 million jobs during the same period.

This initiative serves as the World Bank Group's first integrated digital development framework.
It combines public and private sector capabilities, financing, policy advice, investment, and guarantees to support digital transformation.
The strategy prioritizes expanding reliable internet infrastructure through shared networks and public-private investments.
It seeks to reduce smartphone and broadband costs through partnerships with manufacturers, telecom operators, and financial institutions.
The plan strengthens digital identification, payment systems, secure data exchange, and employment-oriented training.
It promotes practical applications of Small AI by improving access to computing infrastructure and local datasets.
An AI Infrastructure and Readiness Initiative offers emerging economies access to shared, pay-as-you-go Graphics Processing Unit infrastructure.
This shared infrastructure provides an affordable alternative to building expensive standalone national data centres.

The strategy aims to bridge the global digital divide and promote inclusive economic growth.
It supports employment generation and the expansion of digital public infrastructure in developing economies.
It improves citizen access to essential public and private services.