Bridging the Digital Divide Could Generate Trillions in Global GDP Growth
A new report suggests that reducing inequality in digital skills could unlock trillions of dollars in global GDP growth.
A new report by GSMA Intelligence, in partnership with Huawei, has been released during UNESCO's Digital Learning Week. The report highlights that 38 percent of the global population, nearly two billion people, remain unconnected to the internet.
The "The Mobile Economy 2026" report argues that closing the digital divide is not only a social imperative but also a significant economic opportunity. The analysis estimates that fostering digital equality could add $1.7 trillion to the global economy by 2027.
Key barriers to connectivity identified in the report include low-income countries, areas with inadequate mobile network coverage, and specific demographics such as women and older individuals who are often underrepresented in the digital sphere.
A Huawei spokesperson stated the company's commitment to supporting digital inclusion efforts globally through investments in infrastructure and educational programs, believing technology can connect people and create opportunities.