Opinion: Digital inclusion must be central to global economic growth plans

As global leaders gather for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings, the world faces escalating challenges that threaten economic stability and growth. As policymakers and economic leaders consider pathways to sustainable growth, digital access and digital literacy must be prioritized within any global economic policy debated at the meetings. Indeed, the IMF-World Bank gathering is unfolding against the backdrop of a digital divide that prevents billions of underserved individuals from accessing fair opportunities to participate in the global digital economy. This year’s theme, Multilateralism: Achievements, Challenges, and the Way Forward, will aim to help countries achieve tangible development outcomes while navigating interconnected issues, from poverty and climate change to inequality. Addressing these issues demands a fresh perspective — one that recognizes digital inclusion as a powerful lever for economic, environmental, and social resilience. It’s a key driver of equitable growth. Today, more than 2.6 billion people remain offline, with the majority concentrated in low-income regions. This exacerbates economic divides and limits the opportunities that the digital economy can offer. However, even among those who are online, many lack the skills, tools, or infrastructure to truly benefit from digital opportunities. Many low-income countries are experiencing a rapidly widening artificial intelligence divide in comparison to advanced economies, a gap that is exacerbated by existing barriers such as slow internet speeds, limited digital literacy, and unaffordable data plans. These issues severely restrict individuals from meaningfully participating in the global digital economy. The disparity in computing capabilities, particularly access to advanced technologies such as AI and high-performance computing, further deepens the divide. Digital inclusion is more than a technological issue; it’s a proven catalyst for economic advancement and studies show that increased internet access correlates with gross domestic product growth and job creation, particularly in emerging markets. Just an increase of 10% in mobile broadband penetration in Africa would yield an increase of 2.5% in GDP per capita. According to World Bank data, worker productivity rises as internet infrastructure expands, especially in low-income countries. Ultimately, this leads to more resilient economies, higher wages, and increased employment rates. Cross-border cooperation To address the disparity in connectivity, cross-border initiatives represent an opportunity to create equitable economic conditions worldwide. The Digital Cooperation Organization, or DCO, which I lead, is an intergovernmental body focused on digital inclusion and economic development that works with member countries to bridge this gap across countries and nations. For example, our Digital Foreign Direct Investment project, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, is designed to foster digital-friendly investment climates in partner countries, enabling them to attract digital foreign direct investment. In this capacity, DCO works with governments to modernize regulatory frameworks, develop essential digital infrastructure — such as high-speed internet and data centers — and build local talent through digital skills training. Creating these digital-friendly environments helps drive sustainable growth, foster innovation, and empower local economies, particularly in regions that need it most. The role of public-private partnerships in accelerating digital inclusion However, we cannot bridge this gap alone. We need policymakers and industry leaders to recognize and engage with the economic opportunities in developing markets, where there is untapped potential to stimulate growth and support communities in accessing the digital economy. Achieving meaningful digital inclusion will require coordinated action among the public sector, private companies, and international organizations. Companies such as Google, Microsoft, Meta, Nvidia, and Oracle, have extended internet access and digital literacy initiatives worldwide. Yet the scale of the digital divide calls for a larger, globally coordinated effort. Partnerships between government agencies and tech companies, supported by strategic investments from organizations like the IMF and World Bank could create sustainable digital infrastructure in regions that remain disconnected. Guiding these investments are tools such as the Digital Economy Navigator, which tracks digital maturity across 50 markets. This tool helps governments and companies identify areas for growth and make data-driven decisions on expanding digital access to bridge the digital divide. The IMF and World Bank can play a critical role by promoting public-private partnerships that scale digital inclusion solutions, ultimately fostering economic resilience in line with long-term development goals. Equity in the digital economy While digital inclusion can yield substantial economic benefits, it must also be pursued with an unwavering commitment to equity. Access to digital tools and skills can lift individuals and communities — particularly women and marginalized groups — out of poverty by providing pathways to entrepreneurship, employment, and education. Collaborative programs can bridge digital divides while promoting economic participation and gender equity. Our WE-Elevate initiative, for example, empowers women-led micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises by providing digital enablement, global market access, and capacity-building tools. It also advocates for gender-responsive policies, enhancing women’s participation and leadership in the digital economy. Technology hubs around the world should view digital inclusion not only as an opportunity for growth but as a moral imperative that aligns technology with the broader social good. Now is the time to turn dialogue into action and ensure that digital connectivity becomes a pillar of global economic growth. As world leaders gather in Washington for the IMF-World Bank annual meetings, they must commit to concrete measures that drive digital inclusion. The IMF and World Bank should establish dedicated digital infrastructure funds and encourage public-private partnerships to accelerate the building of digital infrastructure in underserved regions. By investing in digital foreign direct investment and scaling proven frameworks like the Digital Economy Navigator, global leaders can lay the foundation for resilient, inclusive economies. When we collectively commit to digital inclusion, we can create a foundation for a future where the global economy is more robust, interconnected, and equitable — one that empowers all to thrive.