SEOUL, South Korea / RankWire.AI / – On October 20, the World Bank Group introduced its first-ever digital strategy, designed to assist developing nations in expanding affordable digital connectivity, enhancing public services, and generating employment. The plan unites the institution’s public and private sector strengths within a cohesive framework. This announcement took place in Seoul during the group’s Global AI and Digital Summit, which was co-hosted by South Korea’s Ministry of Finance and Economy and Ministry of Science and ICT.
The strategy outlines four main areas of focus for the upcoming years. The first involves increasing dependable internet access, from international undersea cables to networks supporting households, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. The second aims to lower the costs of entry-level smartphones and data plans. The third emphasizes digital services and skill development, including digital identification, electronic payments, and training linked to employment. The fourth initiative supports nations in establishing foundational capabilities to benefit from artificial intelligence. Privacy, cybersecurity, and fraud prevention measures are integrated across all four focal points.
According to Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, digital innovation offers a means for countries to create jobs and optimize limited resources. He emphasized that harnessing this potential requires an all-encompassing approach, from ensuring reliable connectivity and affordable devices to delivering practical services. Banga highlighted that the strategy consolidates these elements for client nations. He also promoted the concept of small AI, referring to it as AI for the people, which relies on local data, languages, and cost-effective technology instead of expensive, large-scale models.
Developing nations confront a widening employment deficit
The rollout coincides with a reality where developing countries face limited resources and an escalating need for employment. Over the next 10 to 15 years, approximately 1.2 billion young individuals will reach working age in these regions. Yet, their economies are expected to generate only around 420 million jobs during this period. The World Bank Group views digital tools as a vital method to bridge this employment gap. It states that technology can assist businesses in reaching consumers, increasing productivity, and gaining access to financing.
The group anticipates that digital innovations will create jobs across its five key sectors: infrastructure and energy, agribusiness, health care, tourism, and value-added manufacturing. Additionally, digital systems can significantly reduce the costs associated with delivering public services. The strategy combines financial support, policy guidance, private sector investments, and guarantees. It also establishes a foundation for collaboration with governments, technology firms, development partners, and philanthropic organizations. Recently, multilateral lenders have expanded their direct financing to developing economies.
Billions remain disconnected as AI initiative kicks off
Persistent obstacles to digital inclusion continue to exist, as highlighted by the World Bank Group. In 2025, over 2 billion people worldwide remained offline. Only 23% of individuals in low-income countries used the internet, compared to 94% in high-income nations. Many individuals live within network coverage areas but cannot afford smartphones or data plans. Others lack digital literacy or have limited access to relevant services.
Alongside the strategy, the group announced the AI Infrastructure and Readiness Initiative. This program aims to assist governments in emerging markets by providing affordable, shared GPU infrastructure on a pay-as-you-go basis, offering an alternative to constructing independent national data centers. Knowledge partners for this initiative include Cassava Technologies and NVIDIA. The initial focus will be on Africa and Latin America, with the goal of applying small AI solutions to promote productive use in these regions.