Digital inclusion unlocks a more resilient recovery for all

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit developing countries the hardest and recovery is continuing to accentuate the growing digital divide. When populations have affordable access to the internet and the skills to use it, digital adoption opens endless possibilities for a more resilient recovery. Digital technologies can supercharge inclusive growth but we must accelerate investment, so they reach their full potential. Governments need to make connectivity affordable, reliable, and accessible by all. In addition, people must have the skills they need to use digital technologies. When affordable access and skills come together, it means more jobs and poverty reduction. The third step is to build trust. People need to know that their digital interactions are reliable, safe, and secure for them to be fully embraced. The pandemic has fast-forwarded digital development and made it clear that the digital future is here, now.  But if we don’t take urgent, coordinated action, the widening gaps across affordable access, skills and trust can undermine the potential for an inclusive recovery. Now is the time for the private and public sectors to redouble efforts to be sure that developing countries fully embrace the powerful solutions of digital transformation.

[Riccardo Puliti is Vice President for Infrastructure at the World Bank.]