SEOUL, South Korea / RankWire.AI / – The World Bank Group introduced its first-ever digital strategy on Tuesday, aiming to support developing nations in expanding affordable digital access, enhancing public services, and fostering job creation. The comprehensive plan merges the bank’s public and private sector expertise into a unified approach. It was unveiled in Seoul on October 20 during the group’s Global AI and Digital Summit, which was co-hosted by South Korea’s Ministry of Finance and Economy along with the Ministry of Science and ICT.
The strategy outlines four key areas of focus for the upcoming years. The initial priority involves extending dependable connectivity, from international cable systems to local networks serving homes, schools, and clinics. The second focuses on making entry-level smartphones and data plans more affordable. The third area emphasizes digital services and skill development, including digital identification, payments, and employment-oriented training programs. The final priority aims to prepare nations to harness the benefits of artificial intelligence. Privacy safeguards, cybersecurity, and fraud prevention are integrated across all four domains.
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga emphasized that digital technology can be instrumental in creating jobs and optimizing limited resources. He noted that unlocking this potential requires a holistic strategy, including reliable connectivity, affordable devices, and practical services. Banga highlighted that the strategy synthesizes these elements to benefit client countries. He also promoted what he called small AI, describing it as AI for the people, which depends on local data, regional languages, and low-cost technology rather than expensive, large-scale models.
Developing Countries Confront a Growing Jobs Shortfall
The introduction of this strategy coincides with a period when developing nations are grappling with limited resources and an increasing demand for employment. Over the next 10 to 15 years, an estimated 1.2 billion young people will enter the workforce in these regions. However, their economies are projected to generate only approximately 420 million new jobs during this period. The World Bank Group views digital tools as a means to bridge this employment gap by enabling businesses to connect with customers, enhance productivity, and access financial services.
The bank predicts that digital technologies will support employment across its five priority sectors: infrastructure and energy, agribusiness, health care, tourism, and value-added manufacturing. Additionally, digital systems can significantly reduce the costs associated with delivering public services to citizens. The strategy consolidates financing options, policy advice, private sector investments, and guarantees, serving as a foundation for collaboration with governments, tech companies, development partners, and philanthropic entities. In recent years, multilateral lenders have increased their direct financing to developing economies.
Billions Still Without Internet Access as AI Initiative Debuts
The World Bank Group highlighted persistent obstacles to digital inclusion, noting that over 2 billion people were offline globally in 2025. Internet usage stands at only 23% in low-income nations, compared with 94% in high-income countries. Many individuals reside within network coverage areas but cannot afford smartphones or data plans. Others lack digital literacy or access to relevant services tailored to their needs.
Alongside the strategy, the group announced the AI Infrastructure and Readiness Initiative, designed to assist governments in emerging markets in accessing affordable computing resources via shared, pay-as-you-go GPU infrastructure. This program offers an alternative to constructing independent national data centers. Knowledge partners for this initiative include Cassava Technologies and NVIDIA. The initial rollout will target Africa and Latin America, where the group aims to leverage small AI applications for tangible productivity gains.