THE DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGE
Digital technologies are increasingly acting as a lifeline in times of global crises, from pandemics to conflicts to the increased urgency of the climate crisis. However, significant gaps remain for low- and middle-income countries to fully benefit from these advancements, including:
BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY, ACCESS, AND USE
The covid-19 pandemic spurred record internet adoption but highlighted a growing digital divide, with gaps in broadband coverage. Bridging this divide is critical, as 2.6 billion people remain unconnected worldwide. In addition, demand-side usage gap persists, with around 32 percent of the global population living within coverage zones, but still not using the internet in 2022.
JOBS AND ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION
Digital technologies boost growth, jobs, and poverty reduction. High-speed internet in Africa has raised employment by up to 13.2% and reduced extreme poverty by up to 10%. Expanded 3G/4G coverage also improves equity and the human development index.
GENDER
In 2023, women in low- and middle-income countries were 15% less likely than men to use mobile internet, leaving 785 million women offline. Women also lag in digital skills and face higher rates of online violence. Despite progress in IT employment (29% in 2020, up from 23% in 2010), the gender gap in ICT remains significant.
ENABLING AND MOBILIZING PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT
An estimated $428 billion of investments are needed for minimum quality universal broadband by 2030. While private investments in digital infrastructure are projected to grow by 7 – 14 percent annually through 2030, the digital investment gap is growing even faster, requiring more of both public and private financing.
GREEN AND DIGITAL TWIN TRANSITION
While digital technologies offer benefits, they also contribute 1.5% to 4% of global emissions, comparable to the airline industry, due to energy use and waste. However, they can help cut emissions by up to 20% by 2050 in key sectors such as energy, mobility, and materials sectors.
FRAGILE, CONFLICT-AFFECTED AND VULNERABLE
Mobile penetration in FCV countries rose from 0.3% in 2000 to 62% in 2020, but network growth slowed to 3% annually post-2015, limiting digital access and economic participation.
AT A GLANCE
| Established in 2016, the Digital Development Partnership brings together the World Bank and partners to help developing countries accelerate digitalization. DDP’s analytical, advisory, and convening services, funded via an umbrella multi-donor trust fund, help shape the global digital agenda and support client countries in the formulation and execution of their digital transformation strategies, underpinned by World Bank development financing. During its first strategy cycle – Fiscal Years 2016-2023 – the Partnership supported a wide range of global thought leadership as well as client-facing grant activities in 80+ countries, aimed at leveraging digital technologies and data to accelerate green, inclusive, and resilient social and economic development. |  |
In July 2023, the Partnership transitioned to a new five-year strategy cycle, DDP 2.0, aiming to support low and middle-income countries in advancing digital transformation. DDP 2.0 grants work to achieve this objective by supporting developing countries in building strong digital foundations and enablers, and in facilitating use cases for the digital economy to thrive. The Partnership continues to complement and inform the identification, design, or preparation of World Bank financing, through knowledge, technical assistance, and convening activities. Ultimately, DDP grants contribute to the WBG’s mission to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet, and to the Sustainable Development Goals.
WHAT WE DO
CORE AREAS AND PRIORITY THEMES
