The World Bank Group has launched its first digital strategy, bringing together its public and private sector capabilities to help developing countries expand affordable digital access, improve services and create jobs.
The strategy focuses on four priorities: expanding reliable connectivity, making devices and data more affordable, strengthening digital services and skills, and helping countries build the foundations needed to benefit from artificial intelligence (AI).
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga said digital technology could help countries create jobs and make limited resources go further. He highlighted the importance of combining reliable connectivity, affordable devices, digital skills and useful services to help communities benefit from emerging technologies, including practical AI applications.
The strategy comes as developing countries face pressure to create employment opportunities for a growing working-age population. Over the next 10 to 15 years, 1.2 billion young people are expected to reach working age in developing countries, while their economies are projected to generate approximately 420 million jobs.
Digital technology could support job creation across five priority sectors identified by the World Bank Group: infrastructure and energy, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism and value-added manufacturing. Digital tools can help businesses reach customers, improve productivity and access financing, while making public services more efficient.
However, significant gaps in digital access remain. More than two billion people were offline globally in 2025. Internet use stood at 23% in low-income countries, compared with 94% in high-income countries. Even where network coverage exists, the cost of smartphones and data, limited digital skills and a lack of relevant services can prevent people from getting online.
To address these challenges, the strategy outlines four areas of action.
The first focuses on expanding reliable connectivity through investment in international cables, national networks and last-mile infrastructure serving homes, businesses, schools and healthcare facilities. The approach includes shared infrastructure, greater competition and public financing mechanisms designed to attract private investment into underserved markets.
The second priority is improving the affordability of devices and data. The World Bank Group will support partnerships involving manufacturers, mobile operators, financial institutions and refurbishment businesses to reduce the cost of entry-level smartphones and broadband services. Responsible instalment payment options could also help more people access digital devices.
The third area focuses on digital services and skills. This includes support for digital identification, payments and secure information-sharing systems, alongside digital literacy and employment-linked training to help individuals and small businesses use technology safely and productively.
The fourth priority is AI readiness. The strategy will help countries strengthen connectivity, access computing resources, develop usable local data and build relevant skills. It places particular emphasis on “small AI”, referring to tools adapted to specific tasks and local conditions, such as helping farmers identify crop diseases, supporting health workers and assisting businesses with inventory management.
Privacy, cybersecurity and fraud protection are identified as safeguards across all four priorities.
Alongside the strategy, the World Bank Group announced the AI Infrastructure and Readiness Initiative, which aims to help governments in emerging markets access affordable computing capacity and put practical AI applications to use.
The initiative will initially focus on Africa and Latin America. It will explore shared, pay-as-you-go GPU infrastructure, providing access to specialised computing resources without requiring every country to establish its own standalone national data centre. Knowledge partners include Cassava Technologies and NVIDIA.
The broader strategy brings together the World Bank Group’s financing, policy advice, private investment and guarantees around country priorities. It also establishes a framework for collaboration with governments, technology companies, development partners and philanthropic organisations.
The initiative aims to help developing countries translate digital access into improved productivity, more efficient public services and expanded economic opportunities, while laying the groundwork for responsible AI adoption.
