The World Bank Group is stepping up efforts to bridge the digital divide, launching fresh talks aimed at connecting 2.6 billion people who still lack internet access. This ambitious endeavour took centre stage at the second annual Global Digital Summit, where discussions focused on scaling up the Accelerating Digitalisation Global Challenge Programme.
The programme, designed to speed up the adoption of digital solutions, includes strengthening digital public infrastructure (DPI) such as digital IDs, payments, and data-sharing platforms. These essential tools are expected to link people to critical services like banking, healthcare, jobs, and education. As the World Bank noted, “Strengthening these digital enablers ensures that everyone can access these essential services securely and easily.”
According to Sangbu Kim, World Bank Vice President for Digital Transformation, “Digital transformation is one of the greatest opportunities of our time to drive growth and inclusion, especially at a moment when development is at a critical inflection point.”
Focus on Women’s Connectivity and Cross-Border Innovation
The summit also highlighted a new initiative under the Digital Development Partnership, backed by the Gates Foundation. The project aims to expand affordable internet connectivity and digital skills for women in low and middle-income countries. This initiative aligns with the World Bank’s ambitious goal of connecting an additional 300 million women to broadband by 2030.
Through the Global Challenge Programme, the World Bank seeks to promote innovation and cross-border collaboration, while also encouraging the development of integrated digital markets through shared infrastructure and regulatory harmonisation.
With efforts intensifying to make digital access a reality for billions of underserved individuals, the World Bank’s push for universal connectivity could transform global economic opportunities.
I am passionate about crafting stories, vibing to good music (and making some too), debating Nigeria’s political future like it’s the World Cup, and finding the perfect quiet spot to work and unwind.
2 replies on “World Bank’s Bold Push to Bridge Digital Divide”
[…] industry, has secured $100 million in funding from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a World Bank Group member. The financing is set to drive Raxio’s expansion of high-quality colocation data […]
[…] World Bank Group President, Ajay Banga, stressed that the initiative is built on measurable outcomes, not mere goodwill. “This isn’t about altruism—it’s about helping the private sector see a path to investments that will deliver returns, and lift people and economies alike,” he said. […]