SEOUL, South Korea / RankWire.AI / – On October 20, in Seoul, the World Bank Group introduced its inaugural digital strategy, addressing the fact that more than 2 billion individuals worldwide remain offline. This plan aims to expand affordable digital access across developing nations, enhance public service delivery, and foster job creation. It leverages both the public and private sector branches of the group. The launch was part of the Global AI and Digital Summit, co-hosted by South Korea’s finance and science ministries.
The new strategy is guided by four main priorities. The group will focus on increasing connectivity through the development of cables, national links, and local networks for businesses and healthcare facilities. Efforts will also be made to reduce device and data costs by partnering with manufacturers, mobile network providers, and lenders. Enhancing digital services and skills, such as digital identification and payments, constitutes the third pillar. The final area emphasizes preparing for artificial intelligence, including improving computing infrastructure, local data usability, and relevant expertise.
Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, emphasized that digital technology has the potential to generate employment and enable countries to make better use of limited resources. According to him, achieving success hinges on reliable connectivity, affordable devices, digital literacy, and accessible services working harmoniously. Banga noted that the strategy integrates these components, describing small AI as AI for the people. He provided examples like tools that assist farmers in diagnosing crop diseases or support healthcare professionals.
Youth Population Growth Surpasses Job Creation
Developing nations face the dual challenge of scarce resources and increasing employment demands. Within the next 10 to 15 years, approximately 1.2 billion young individuals in these economies will reach working age. Projections indicate that their economies will generate around 420 million new jobs during that period. The bank has stated that digital tools can help bridge part of this employment gap by enabling businesses to reach more customers, increase productivity, and access financing more easily.
According to the bank, digital technology can facilitate employment growth across its five key sectors: infrastructure and energy, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and value-added manufacturing. Technology also has the potential to lower the costs of providing public services. The strategy builds upon the group’s previous digitalization push and increasing backing for developing economies. It combines financial support, policy advice, private sector investments, and guarantees within a unified framework. This approach also provides a foundation for collaboration with governments, technology firms, and philanthropic organizations.
Digital Divide Remains as GPU Initiative Launched
Significant disparities in internet access continue to exist between affluent and less-developed countries. In 2025, only 23% of individuals in low-income nations are expected to be online, compared to 94% in high-income countries. Many people already have network coverage but are unable to afford smartphones or data plans, while others lack the skills to access online services or encounter few offerings suited to their needs. Privacy, cybersecurity, and fraud prevention safeguards are incorporated throughout the strategy’s four main priorities.
In tandem with the strategy, the World Bank announced the AI Infrastructure and Readiness Initiative. This program aims to provide governments in emerging markets with affordable access to computing power via shared, pay-as-you-go GPU infrastructure. GPUs, specialized processors used for developing and running AI applications, offer a practical alternative to establishing standalone national data centers. NVIDIA and Cassava Technologies serve as knowledge partners, and the initiative will initially focus on Africa and Latin America.