World Bank Launches First Digital Strategy to Expand Service Access and Create Jobs
Launch of a digital strategy to support developing countries in expanding technology access and creating employment opportunities
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Washington, Oct 20 (KUNA) -- The World Bank Group announced on Tuesday the launch of its first digital strategy, which unites its capabilities in the public and private sectors to support developing countries in expanding affordable access to digital technology, improving services, and creating jobs.
In a statement on its official website, the World Bank said the new strategy addresses four priorities: expanding digital connectivity, making devices and data affordable, enhancing digital services and skills, and helping countries lay the foundations to harness artificial intelligence (AI).
The statement added that the launch of the strategy comes at a critical time when developing countries face two intertwined challenges: limited resources and growing demand for jobs.
For his part, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga emphasized in the statement the importance of digital technology in helping countries create jobs and make greater use of scarce resources, noting that realizing this potential requires a comprehensive approach ranging from providing reliable connectivity and affordable devices to building digital skills and delivering useful services.
Banga said, “Our first digital strategy will bring these elements together, helping countries lay the foundations to leverage today’s available digital tools and the promising potential of ‘AI for the people.’”
He added that digital technology can support job creation in the World Bank Group’s five priority sectors: infrastructure, energy, agricultural industries, healthcare, and tourism, as well as value-added manufacturing.
He pointed out that digital technology also plays a role in helping businesses reach customers, improve productivity, access finance, and reduce the cost of delivering public services.
The international official noted that significant obstacles still hinder these efforts, pointing out that more than two billion people worldwide will still lack internet access in 2025, while the share of internet users in low-income countries has not exceeded 23 percent, compared to about 94 percent in high-income countries.
The statement said the strategy will combine the World Bank Group’s financing, policy advice, private-sector investments, and guarantees in line with countries’ priorities.
It clarified that the strategy will provide a basis for working with governments, technology companies, development partners, and charitable institutions to expand digital opportunities to reach more individuals and businesses.
The strategy aims to help countries translate digital transformation into tangible gains, including higher productivity, improved services, and expanded livelihood opportunities. (End) A.M.M./M.M.J
