World Bank seeks to boost connectivity in developing countries
World Bank president Ajay Banga said digital technology can help countries create jobs and make scarce resources go further.
The World Bank has unveiled a new strategy to improve connectivity and make digital access more affordable in developing nations. According to World Bank President Ajay Banga, unlocking the full potential of digital technology necessitates reliable connectivity, affordable devices, digital skill development, and useful services.
In a statement, Banga highlighted that digital technology can generate jobs and optimize limited resources. However, developing countries are grappling with a significant challenge as they have a growing need for employment but limited resources. The World Bank estimates that over the next 10-15 years, 1.2 billion people in these countries will reach working age, yet the projected job creation is only around 420 million.
To address this disparity, the bank's strategy aims to support infrastructure for connectivity, reduce the cost of entry-level smartphones and broadband services, expand access to digital services, and explore targeted applications of artificial intelligence. Currently, only 23% of people in low-income countries use the internet, in stark contrast to the 94% in high-income countries.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
