World Bank Group launches first digital strategy to expand access and create jobs

The World Bank Group has launched its first digital strategy to help developing countries expand affordable digital access, improve public services and create jobs, bringing together its public and private sector capabilities to support digital development.

Launched on October 20, the strategy focuses on four priorities: expanding connectivity, making devices and data more affordable, strengthening digital services and skills, and helping countries build the foundations to benefit from artificial intelligence (AI).

“Digital technology can help countries create jobs and make scarce resources go further. Realizing that potential requires a comprehensive approach, from reliable connectivity and affordable devices to digital skills and useful services,” said World Bank Group President Ajay Banga.

“Our first digital strategy brings these pieces together, helping countries build the foundations to benefit from today’s digital tools and the promise of small AI—AI for the people,” he added.

Digital access gap poses challenge to job creation

The strategy comes as developing countries face pressure to create jobs amid constrained resources and uneven access to digital technology. Over the next 10 to 15 years, an estimated 1.2 billion young people will reach working age in developing countries, while their economies are projected to generate about 420 million jobs.

The World Bank Group said digital technology could support job creation across five priority sectors: infrastructure and energy, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and value-added manufacturing. Digital tools can help businesses reach customers, improve productivity and access finance, while lowering the cost of delivering public services.

However, access remains uneven. More than 2 billion people worldwide were offline in 2025. Internet use stood at just 23% in low-income countries, compared with 94% in high-income countries.

Even where network coverage is available, affordability remains a barrier. Some people cannot afford smartphones or mobile data, while others lack digital skills or access to services relevant to their needs.

The strategy aims to address these barriers by combining connectivity and affordability measures with investments in skills and digital services, rather than focusing on infrastructure alone.

New initiative to expand AI infrastructure access

Alongside the strategy, the World Bank Group announced the AI Infrastructure and Readiness Initiative to help governments in emerging markets access affordable computing capacity and put smaller-scale AI applications to productive use.

The initiative will use shared, pay-as-you-go graphics processing unit (GPU) infrastructure, which provides specialised computing power to develop and run AI applications. This model is intended to offer governments an alternative to building standalone national data centres.

The initiative will initially focus on Africa and Latin America, complementing the strategy’s broader priority of helping countries prepare for and adapt to AI.

The World Bank Group’s approach links digital inclusion with economic development, with a focus on enabling businesses, workers and public institutions to use technology to improve productivity and expand access to opportunities.