Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — 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.
The strategy combines public- and private-sector capabilities and sets out measures to develop internet infrastructure, make digital devices more affordable and prepare countries to use artificial intelligence (AI), the World Bank Group said.
The strategy has four priorities: expanding access to reliable connectivity, reducing the cost of devices and data, developing digital services and skills, and creating conditions for the practical application of AI.
“Digital technologies can help countries create jobs and make more effective use of scarce resources. To realise this potential, a comprehensive approach is needed — from reliable connectivity and affordable devices to digital skills and useful services,” World Bank Group President Ajay Banga said.
According to Banga, the strategy brings these areas together and is intended to help countries prepare to use modern digital tools, including small AI models adapted to practical tasks.
The need to accelerate digital development is driven by two challenges: limited resources and growing demand for jobs.
Over the next 10–15 years, 1.2 billion young people in developing countries will reach working age. However, these countries’ economies are projected to create about 420 million jobs.
The World Bank sees digital technologies as one way to boost productivity and expand employment across five priority sectors: infrastructure and energy, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and higher-value-added manufacturing.
Technology can help businesses find customers, access financing and reduce costs, while enabling public institutions to deliver services more efficiently.
However, internet access remains uneven. In 2025, more than 2 billion people worldwide lacked internet access. In low-income countries, 23% of the population used the internet, compared with 94% in high-income countries.
Even where mobile networks are available, some people cannot afford smartphones or mobile data.
Other barriers include a lack of digital skills and a limited range of services that meet users’ needs.
The strategy’s first priority is to close gaps in network infrastructure, from international cable systems and domestic connections to links serving homes, businesses, schools and healthcare facilities.
The World Bank intends to promote infrastructure sharing, greater competition and private investment in underserved markets. In areas without either electricity or connectivity, it proposes coordinating the development of both systems.
The second priority concerns the cost of digital devices and internet services. To reduce these costs, the World Bank plans to foster cooperation with manufacturers, mobile operators, financial institutions and device refurbishment companies.
Possible solutions include expanding affordable smartphone instalment payment options.
The third priority involves developing digital public and private services. Countries will receive support in establishing trusted digital identification systems, payment systems and secure information-sharing mechanisms.
Particular attention will be paid to digital literacy and employment-oriented vocational training, enabling individuals and small businesses to use technology more effectively and safely.
The fourth priority focuses on preparing for AI adoption. It includes developing connectivity, expanding access to computing resources, preparing local datasets and upgrading workers’ skills.
Particular emphasis is placed on small AI models that can be adapted to specific tasks and local conditions.
Such tools could, for example, help farmers detect plant diseases, support healthcare professionals and improve inventory management at businesses.
All four priorities include measures to protect privacy, strengthen cybersecurity and combat fraud.
The strategy brings together the World Bank Group’s financial instruments, policy advice, guarantees and mechanisms for mobilising private capital.
Its implementation will take individual countries’ priorities into account and involve cooperation with governments, technology companies, international partners and philanthropic organisations.
The World Bank Group also announced the AI Infrastructure and Readiness Initiative.
The programme aims to help emerging-market countries access affordable computing power and use small AI models to solve practical problems.
The initiative plans to use shared GPU infrastructure with pay-as-you-go pricing. These specialised computing resources enable the development and deployment of AI applications and could offer an alternative to building separate national data centres.
Initially, the programme will focus on countries in Africa and Latin America. Cassava Technologies and NVIDIA were named among the partners providing expert support.
The World Bank expects the strategy to help developing countries turn wider digital access into higher productivity, better services and new income opportunities.
