SEOUL, South Korea / RankWire.AI / – The World Bank Group introduced its inaugural digital strategy in Seoul on October 20. Over 2 billion people across the globe remain offline. The plan aims to improve affordable digital access in developing nations, enhance public services, and create employment opportunities. It involves both the group’s public and private sector divisions. The launch event was held during the Global AI and Digital Summit, which was co-hosted by South Korea’s finance and science ministries.
The new strategy is guided by four main priorities. The group will focus on expanding connectivity, including cables, national links, and local networks for businesses and clinics. It will also work to lower the prices of devices and data by partnering with manufacturers, mobile operators, and lenders. A third area aims to strengthen digital services and skills, like digital identification and payments. The final priority prepares countries for artificial intelligence by improving computing resources, local data availability, and workforce skills.
Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, emphasized that digital technology can generate jobs and help nations make better use of limited resources. He noted that success depends on reliable connectivity, affordable devices, digital literacy, and relevant services working harmoniously. Banga explained that the first digital strategy integrates these elements. He also pointed out small AI, which he described as AI for the people. Examples include tools that assist farmers in identifying crop disease or support healthcare workers.
Youth Population Expansion Surpasses Job Opportunities
Developing countries face pressure from limited resources and increasing demand for employment. Nearly 1.2 billion young individuals in these economies will reach working age within 10 to 15 years. The bank estimates that these economies will generate about 420 million jobs in that timeframe. Digital tools can help bridge part of that gap. They enable businesses to find customers, boost productivity, and secure financing more easily.
According to the bank, digital technology can support employment in five key sectors. These include infrastructure and energy, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and value-added manufacturing. Technology also reduces the costs of delivering public services. The strategy builds on the bank’s earlier digitalization push and increased backing for developing economies. It combines financial support, policy advice, private investments, and guarantees in one framework. This approach allows the group to work closely with governments, tech companies, and philanthropy.
Digital Divide Remains as GPU Program Launches
Significant gaps in internet access still exist between rich and poor nations. In 2025, only 23% of people in low-income countries will be online, compared to 94% in high-income countries. Many individuals already live where networks are available but cannot afford smartphones or data plans. Others lack the skills needed to go online, or find services that meet their needs are scarce. Privacy, cybersecurity, and fraud protections are integrated across all four priorities of the strategy.
Alongside the new strategy, the group announced the AI Infrastructure and Readiness Initiative. This program will provide governments in emerging markets with access to affordable computing power through shared, pay-as-you-go GPU infrastructure. GPUs are specialized processors used in developing and running AI applications. This model offers a practical alternative to building national data centers. NVIDIA and Cassava Technologies are partners for knowledge. The initiative will initially focus on Africa and Latin America.