3 International Tech Development Initiatives Bridging the Digital Divide
The adoption of technology continues to increase as new tools are developed to streamline day-to-day life and business operations. Yet, as these advancements progress, roughly one-third of the world’s population — 2.7 billion people — is still without access to the internet. This “digital divide” disproportionately impacts those in Asia and Africa, where connectivity sits at 61% and 40% respectively.
International tech development plays a pivotal role in bridging this divide, as it facilitates the creation and distribution of more affordable, accessible technologies tailored to the needs of these unconnected regions around the globe. It’s through these efforts that we can increase connectivity rates and integrate more of the global population into the digital world.
What Is the Digital Divide?
The digital divide refers to the unequal access to modern technology and connectivity experienced by certain groups and regions. Underserved communities, which are typically located in more rural and/or less-developed areas of the world, lack access to basic technological tools that are nearly ubiquitous in more connected regions, such as cell phones and broadband internet service.
Without equal access to modern technology, these communities may struggle to achieve the same economic opportunities and growth compared to those with access. The digital divide can also impact underserved communities’ access to advanced education, healthcare, and other amenities of the modern world.
The digital divide can also exist in more developed areas with widespread technological access, where it may manifest as a gap in the necessary skills or proficiency to utilize modern technology, or the financial inability to afford access to broadband internet.
3 International Initiatives That Promote Digital Access
Various government organizations, nonprofits, and private companies are working hard to bridge the digital divide through technology development initiatives. Here’s a look at three programs from around the world that serve this purpose.
GIZ
Germany-based GIZ, also known as the German Corporation for International Cooperation, works to foster sustainable development and improve the quality of life in developing and emerging countries. GIZ is focused on leveraging technologies like e-payments and mobile health services to benefit marginalized populations. It is also pioneering digital applications in the private sector and supporting internet-based businesses, exemplified through projects such as e-learning initiatives in Honduras, Albania, and Pakistan, supporting an indigenous university network in Bolivia, promoting digital startups and app development in Nigeria, Kenya, Tunisia, and Yemen, and implementing digital financial services in Ghana, Jordan, and Mozambique.
United Nations Development Programme
With a presence in 170 countries, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) orchestrates digital strategies that address a broad spectrum of challenges, from poverty eradication to climate change. To promote inclusive digital transformation, the UNDP helps build digital public infrastructure comparable to traditional public infrastructures like roads and railways, for economic and social development. The UNDP’s efforts include facilitating digital financial inclusion, as seen in India’s Aadhaar system and digital payments platform, and supporting countries like Bangladesh in digitizing government systems and services. The UNDP’s approach includes promoting open-source tools and datasets to ensure equitable digital development globally, aiming to make AI benefits universally accessible.
USAID’s Digital Inclusion Practice
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Digital Inclusion practice focuses on expanding connectivity and digital access in underserved areas. Key initiatives include the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership (DCCP), which develops communication infrastructure, fosters competitive market policies, and enhances cybersecurity capacities. Additionally, USAID’s efforts focus on improving last-mile connectivity to integrate marginalized communities into the digital economy. USAID also addresses the digital gender divide through initiatives like the WomenConnect Challenge and the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (Wi-DEF), in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. These initiatives invest in digital access, affordability, literacy, and safety, with a strong emphasis on women-led solutions.
Working Together to Bridge the Digital Divide
The digital divide can only close if organizations and businesses continue to push for change. At Hiedberg Consult, we’re committed to being a part of that movement by leveraging our expertise in cutting-edge AI to offer unparalleled data analysis and business insights across various project management domains.
If you’re ready to make an impact on global issues like the digital divide, collaborating with a firm like Hiedberg Consult is the best way to realize your tech development goals. Contact us today to discover how our services can help your business play a role in closing the gap.
