World Bank Group Launches First Digital Strategy, Focuses on AI and Job Creation

The World Bank Group has launched its first comprehensive digital strategy, placing artificial intelligence (AI), affordable internet access and job creation at the centre of its development agenda. The initiative comes as 1.2 billion young people in developing countries are expected to enter the workforce over the next 10 to 15 years.

Announced in Seoul, the strategy aims to combine the institution’s public and private sector capabilities to help developing economies expand digital connectivity, improve access to technology and create employment opportunities.

World Bank Group President Ajay Banga said the initiative would focus on practical applications of technology, particularly affordable AI tools that can boost productivity and improve public services.

The strategy identifies digital technology as a key driver of productivity and employment growth across sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, healthcare, tourism and manufacturing.

According to the World Bank, more than two billion people worldwide remained offline in 2025, highlighting the continuing digital divide and the need to expand access to affordable internet services.

The new strategy seeks to harness digital technologies to support economic development, improve public services and create employment opportunities, particularly for young people in developing countries.