Digital technologies improve efficiency across sectors, streamline government services, promote financial inclusion through digital payments, and strengthen resilience against economic shocks. However, many IDA countries still lack basic digital infrastructure, with around 2.6 billion people lacking internet access. As of 2022, internet usage was only 33 percent in these countries, compared to 91 percent in high-income nations, with women being 21 percent less likely to access the internet.
Nevertheless, innovations like generative AI and cloud computing can help developing countries increase productivity. As digitalization progresses, IDA is enhancing its support to address cybersecurity risks and mitigate existing inequalities.
Looking ahead, IDA21 will continue to build on the success of past replenishments. Here are but a few of the important results IDA has been delivering on the 'Digital Transformation' focus area.
With IDA’s support, Kosovo now has one of the highest numbers of high-speed internet subscriptions per household in Europe, outpacing leading EU countries, according to data published by Eurostat. The country’s rural broadband program leveraged private capital, bringing a digital lifeline to schools, health centers, and homes in remote locations.
The Digital Economy for Africa (DE4A), an IDA-financed program, supports the ambition to ensure that every individual, business, and government in Africa is digitally enabled by 2030. Through the initiative, the World Bank helped increase access to broadband internet in Africa from 26 percent in 2019 to 36 percent in 2022.
A program in Mauritania has helped extend connectivity to previously underserved or unserved areas by deploying 1,700 km of fiber optic cable. Access and affordability increased significantly, with a 53 percent increase in localities connected to broadband and a 99 percent reduction in the average wholesale broadband price, from $7,000 per month to $55 per month between 2012 and 2022.
Last Updated: Jun 30, 2025
