SEOUL, South Korea / RankWire.AI / – On October 20 in Seoul, the World Bank Group revealed its inaugural digital approach as over 2 billion individuals worldwide remain without online access. The initiative aims to expand affordable internet connectivity across developing nations, enhance public service delivery, and foster employment opportunities. It leverages both the public and private sectors within the group. The unveiling occurred during the Global AI and Digital Summit, jointly hosted by South Korea’s finance and science ministries.
The new strategy is guided by four key priorities. The group plans to increase connectivity through expanded cables, national links, and local networks for businesses and clinics. It also intends to reduce the costs of devices and data by collaborating with manufacturers, mobile carriers, and lenders. The third focus area emphasizes improving digital services and skills, such as digital identification and payment systems. Lastly, the strategy aims to prepare for artificial intelligence by enhancing computing infrastructure, local data usability, and workforce skills.
Ajay Banga, the President of the World Bank Group, emphasized that digital technology can generate employment and enable nations to maximize limited resources. He noted that success relies on dependable connectivity, affordable devices, digital literacy, and relevant services functioning in unison. Banga highlighted that this first digital strategy integrates these components. He also pointed out small AI, which he described as AI for the people, citing examples like tools aiding farmers in identifying crop diseases or assisting healthcare workers.
Youth Growth Outpaces Job Availability, According to New Data
In recent years, developing economies have faced the dual challenge of scarce resources and increasing labor demand. Within the next 10 to 15 years, approximately 1.2 billion young people in these regions will reach working age. Forecasts suggest these economies will generate about 420 million jobs during that period. The bank indicated that digital tools could help bridge part of this employment gap by enabling businesses to reach customers, improve productivity, and secure financing more efficiently.
According to the bank, digital innovations can support employment prospects across five key sectors: infrastructure and energy, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and value-added manufacturing. Additionally, technology can help lower the costs involved in providing public services. The new strategy builds on the group’s prior digitalization push and increasing backing for developing economies. It combines funding, policy guidance, private sector investment, and guarantees within a unified framework, providing a foundation for collaboration with governments, tech companies, and philanthropic organizations.
Persistent Internet Divide Continues as GPU Program Debuts
Despite progress, significant disparities in internet access remain between wealthy and low-income nations. Data for 2025 indicates only 23% of people in low-income countries will be online, compared to 94% in high-income nations. Many individuals already have network coverage but are unable to afford smartphones or data plans. Others lack the digital literacy to connect or find services that meet their needs. The strategy also emphasizes safeguards for privacy, cybersecurity, and fraud prevention across its four main areas.
Alongside this approach, the World Bank announced the AI Infrastructure and Readiness Initiative. This program will grant governments in emerging markets affordable access to computing resources via shared, pay-as-you-go GPU infrastructure. GPUs, specialized processors used in developing and deploying AI applications, offer a viable alternative to establishing independent national data centers. NVIDIA and Cassava Technologies serve as knowledge partners, with initial focus on Africa and Latin America.