Digital and AI

• Access
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Services
• Data and AI
• Digital Across Sectors

Digitalization is one of the most powerful development opportunities of our time. Connectivity, data, and digital tools are now essential to how hospitals deliver care, how farmers access markets, how teachers reach students, and how governments serve their citizens. With the right foundations—affordable internet, trusted data systems, and secure digital platforms—developing countries can unlock faster, more inclusive growth.

Artificial intelligence and the broader data revolution are accelerating this shift. They are expanding what institutions can do, improving service delivery, and opening new economic pathways. Yet not everyone is benefiting equally. As of 2024, 2.6 billion people—about one-third of the world’s population—remain offline, and internet use ranges from over 90% in high-income countries to just 27% in low-income countries. Meanwhile, 800 million people still lack official ID, limiting access to digital public services, finance, and healthcare.

At the same time, digitalization is transforming labor markets. New types of jobs are emerging; others are changing, and all require new skills. With nearly 800 million people in low- and middle-income countries at risk of being without work over the next decade, investing in digital skills and workforce readiness is essential for countries to compete and thrive.

The good news is that countries don’t need to wait for large, complex AI systems to start benefiting. Many are already adopting “small AI” approaches—nimble, targeted tools that deliver practical results now. These solutions can support frontline health workers with decision support, help teachers personalize learning, strengthen early-warning systems in agriculture, and improve core government operations. “Small AI” offers a steppingstone toward more advanced AI-enabled transformation by building capacity, trust, and responsible data use along the way.

Ensuring that these digital opportunities translate into real development impact requires strong safeguards and institutions. Data protection, cybersecurity, and interoperable systems are critical to building confidence among users and ensuring that digital platforms remain secure, inclusive, and resilient.

Together, digitalization and AI offer a historic chance to expand opportunity, strengthen public services, and boost economic resilience—if countries can access the tools, skills, and foundations, they need to use them well.

To help countries benefit from today’s digital age, the World Bank Group works to ensure that people, governments, and businesses can get online, use digital and AI tools safely, and tap into new economic and job opportunities.

The World Bank Group’s digital work supports countries as they build the infrastructure, institutions, and skills needed to make the most of digital technologies. It helps expand connectivity, strengthen data systems, grow the private sector, improve digital public services, and use emerging tools like AI in practical, responsible ways. The strategy centers on four core pillars, with a strong emphasis on digital safeguards throughout.

Access: The World Bank helps countries expand access to high-quality connectivity, especially in hard-to-reach areas, by supporting governments to create the right conditions for inclusive digital development—facilitating shared infrastructure, cross-border fiber networks, and public-private partnerships that attract private investment and lower deployment costs.

Affordability: The World Bank works with governments to make digital access more affordable by reducing the cost of devices and data through demand aggregation, tax reform, local manufacturing, and programs that promote refurbishment and reuse.

Ecosystems: The World Bank supports countries in strengthening digital transactions and services through digital public infrastructure—such as digital IDs, payment platforms, and secure data sharing systems—and user-centric digital government. In parallel, it helps build digital skills, foster startup ecosystems, advance regulatory reforms, and attract investment to spur innovation and job creation.

AI Readiness: The World Bank helps countries build the foundations for AI innovation and apply practical “small AI” solutions suited to local needs and infrastructure—for example, mobile apps for precision agriculture or personalized education. It also supports stronger data ecosystems, investments in cloud and computing capacity, workforce training, and inclusive national AI strategies.

Cross-Cutting Digital Safeguards: Across all areas of engagement, the World Bank emphasizes the importance of building legal and regulatory frameworks that protect data privacy, promote cybersecurity, and ensure responsible technology use.

By working closely with governments, industry, and development partners, the World Bank Group helps countries put proven digital solutions into practice, scale what works, and take advantage of new opportunities for inclusive, sustainable growth.

• Digital Development Partnership
• ID4D
• G2Px
• KODI
• MADE Alliance Africa
• DE4A
• Digital LAC
• Korea-World Bank Group Global Digital Knowledge Center