The digital divide between rich and poor countries is growing larger

Developing economies are falling behind in the digital revolution, losing opportunities for innovation and growth in the widening gap. This disparity is fueled by a significant investment gap.

The consequences of this gap are numerous. More than 90% of people in high-income countries used the internet in 2022, compared with only 25% of people in low-income countries.

The cost of getting online is often prohibitively high in poorer countries. Moreover, developing countries also face shortages of workers trained in STEM fields and lack policies to make digital technologies affordable and accessible.

Experts believe that enhancing internet connectivity and developing globally competitive digital workforces can help developing countries innovate and grow their economies.

The World Economic Forum's EDISON Alliance aims to improve the lives of 1 billion people by 2025 by broadening access to affordable and accessible digital services.