World Bank Group launches first digital strategy to expand services and create jobs

The World Bank Group announced on Tuesday the launch of its first digital strategy, aimed at helping developing countries expand affordable access to digital technology, improve services, and create jobs by leveraging the Group’s capabilities across both the public and private sectors.

In a statement published on its official website, the World Bank explained that the strategy is built on four key priorities: expanding digital connectivity, providing affordable devices and data, enhancing digital services and skills, and helping countries lay the groundwork to harness artificial intelligence.

It noted that the launch comes at a time when developing countries face two simultaneous challenges: limited resources and growing demand for job creation.

World Bank Group President Ajay Banga said that digital technology offers countries opportunities to create jobs and make greater use of limited resources, emphasizing that realizing this potential requires an integrated approach starting with reliable internet access and affordable devices, leading to the development of digital skills and the delivery of useful services.

Banga added that the new strategy will bring these elements together to help countries leverage currently available digital tools, along with the promising potential of what he described as “small AI”—artificial intelligence designed to serve people.

He clarified that digital technology can contribute to job creation in sectors prioritized by the Group, including infrastructure, energy, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, and value-added manufacturing.

He also highlighted its role in enabling businesses to reach customers, boost productivity, facilitate access to finance, and reduce the cost of delivering public services.

Conversely, Banga pointed to significant ongoing challenges hindering digital transformation, noting that more than two billion people worldwide will still lack internet access in 2025, with only 23 percent of the population in low-income countries using the internet, compared to approximately 94 percent in high-income countries.

The statement said the strategy will combine financing tools, policy advice, private-sector investments, and guarantees provided by the World Bank Group, aligned with each country’s priorities.

It will also serve as a framework for cooperation with governments, technology companies, development partners, and charitable institutions, with the goal of expanding digital opportunities and making them accessible to more individuals and businesses.

Through this strategy, the Group aims to translate digital transformation into tangible economic outcomes, including increased productivity, improved service quality, and expanded livelihood opportunities.