World Bank’s First Digital Strategy
Eduteria Insights · 23 Oct 2026
Why in News?
Recently, the World Bank Group launched its first-ever digital strategy in Seoul, South Korea. The strategy aims to make digital technology more affordable, improve public services, generate employment, and help developing countries benefit from Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The strategy focuses on four major areas:
Expand Digital Connectivity: Improve internet infrastructure, connect underserved communities, and attract private investment to expand network coverage.
Make Devices and Data Affordable: Reduce the cost of entry-level smartphones and broadband services so that more people can access the internet.
Strengthen Digital Services and Skills: Improve digital identification, payments, and information-sharing systems while promoting digital literacy and employment-oriented training.
Build Readiness for AI: Help countries develop computing infrastructure, access useful local data, and acquire the skills needed to adopt AI.
What Is the AI Infrastructure and Readiness Initiative?
Alongside the strategy, the World Bank Group announced the AI Infrastructure and Readiness Initiative. It aims to help emerging economies access affordable computing power.
The initiative will initially focus on Africa and Latin America, with knowledge partners including Cassava Technologies and NVIDIA.
Significance for Developing Countries
The strategy recognizes that internet access alone is not enough. Affordable devices, digital skills, useful services, and safeguards against cybercrime are equally important.
For India, these priorities are relevant to digital inclusion, employment generation, e-governance, and the responsible adoption of AI.
- World Bank Digital Strategy
- World Bank Group Digital Strategy 2026
- World Bank AI Initiative
Swipe up (or press ↓) for the next news
