The World Bank Group has unveiled its first digital strategy aimed at expanding access to technology, improving public and private services, and creating jobs in developing countries.
According to the World Bank Group's statement, this strategy integrates the capabilities of both the public and private sectors and includes measures to develop internet infrastructure, reduce the cost of digital devices, and prepare countries for the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
The strategy operates on four main priorities: expanding access to reliable connectivity, lowering the cost of devices and data, developing digital services and skills, and creating conditions for the practical application of AI.
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga noted that digital technologies can help countries generate jobs and utilize limited resources more effectively. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach covering reliable connectivity, affordable devices, digital skills, and useful services.
According to Banga, this strategy combines these areas and is designed to help countries prepare for using modern digital tools, including small AI models adapted to solve practical problems.
The need to accelerate digital development is driven by two issues: resource constraints and the growing demand for jobs. It is projected that over 1.2 billion young people in developing countries will reach working age over the next 10–15 years, but the economies of these countries are forecast to create only about 420 million jobs.
The World Bank views digital technologies as a way to increase productivity and expand employment in five priority sectors: infrastructure and energy, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and high value-added manufacturing. Technology can help businesses find customers, secure financing, and reduce costs, while also enabling government agencies to deliver services more efficiently.
Nevertheless, internet access remains uneven. In 2025, over two billion people worldwide lacked internet access. In low-income countries, only 23% of the population used the internet, compared to 94% in high-income countries. Even where mobile networks are available, some people cannot afford smartphones or mobile internet.
Other obstacles include a lack of digital skills and a limited range of services meeting user needs. The first priority of the strategy is to bridge gaps in network infrastructure, ranging from international cable systems and internal connections to lines serving homes, businesses, schools, and medical facilities.
The World Bank intends to promote shared infrastructure, strengthen competition, and attract private investment in underserved markets. In areas lacking electricity or connectivity, it proposes coordinating the development of both systems.
The second priority focuses on the cost of digital devices and internet services. To lower these costs, the World Bank plans to encourage collaboration with manufacturers, mobile operators, financial institutions, and device refurbishment companies. Potential solutions include expanding installment payment options for affordable smartphones.
The third priority relates to developing digital public and private services. Countries will receive support in establishing trusted systems for digital identification, payment systems, and secure information exchange mechanisms. Special attention will be paid to digital literacy and vocational training focused on employment, so that individuals and small businesses can use technology more effectively and securely.
The fourth priority centers on preparing for AI adoption. This includes developing connectivity, expanding access to computing resources, preparing local datasets, and upskilling workers. A special emphasis is placed on small AI models that can be adapted to specific tasks and local conditions. Such tools, for example, can help farmers detect plant diseases, support healthcare workers, and improve inventory management in companies.
All four priorities contain measures for protecting privacy, strengthening cybersecurity, and combating fraud. The strategy combines the World Bank Group's financial instruments, policy advice, guarantees, and private capital mobilization mechanisms. Its implementation will consider the priorities of individual countries and require cooperation with governments, technology companies, international partners, and philanthropic organizations.
The World Bank has also announced an Infrastructure and AI Readiness Initiative. This program aims to help developing market countries gain access to affordable computing power and utilize small AI models to solve practical problems. The initiative plans to use shared GPU infrastructure on a pay-as-you-go basis. These specialized computing resources allow for the development and deployment of AI applications and can serve as an alternative to building separate national data centers. Initially, the program will focus on countries in Africa and Latin America. Among the partners providing expert support are Cassava Technologies and NVIDIA.
The World Bank expects this strategy to help developing countries transform broader digital access into increased productivity, improved services, and new income opportunities.
