Why we must bridge the digital divide to achieve sustainable development

Why we must bridge the digital divide to achieve sustainable development | Photo: Keriliwi

I’ve always believed that the internet should be a great equaliser, an engine for opportunity, innovation and connection. Yet, as I reflect on the current state of global digital access, I’m struck by the harsh reality that 2.6 billion people, one in every three humans, still live without it. This isn’t merely a technical gap; it’s a moral and developmental crisis.

In my research around digital inclusion, one of the most inspiring initiatives I’ve come across is the EDISON Alliance, launched in 2021 by the World Economic Forum. Its vision was bold but beautifully simple: to connect 1 billion people to essential digital services in education, health and finance by 2025. I was amazed, and encouraged, when that goal was met a full year ahead of schedule, by 2024. This wasn’t just a statistic, it was a signal that collaboration works.

The Alliance reminded me that digital equity is achievable. It wasn't just about installing cables or towers. It was about reimagining systems, making broadband affordable, ensuring digital literacy, and fostering inclusive policies. Through 320 projects in 127 countries, the Alliance brought digital tools to 463 million people in finance, 141 million in healthcare, and 94 million in education. The impact was particularly powerful in parts of South Asia and Africa, where connectivity often determines whether a child can learn, a mother can access medical advice, or a young entrepreneur can start a business.

But for every success story, there are still millions left behind.

In many low-income nations, the price of a monthly internet connection can swallow up a third of a household's income. I’ve heard from families in rural communities where connectivity is a luxury, if it exists at all. In Sub-Saharan Africa, just 27% of people are online. The divide is even more pronounced for women, who face additional social and economic barriers to access.

And even when the internet is technically available, there’s another invisible wall: digital literacy. Having access is not enough; knowing how to use it is equally vital. That’s why I support programmes like the Global Digital Literacy Council’s IC3 certification, which sets international standards to equip people with real, usable skills. In rural Nigeria, for example, organisations like Tech Herfrica are transforming lives by training women and girls in digital and financial literacy, proving that empowerment starts with education.

The consequences of staying offline are profound. Students can’t join online classes, leaving them far behind. Patients miss out on telemedicine or timely health advice. Job seekers can’t reach digital labour markets, and informal businesses remain trapped in the cash economy.

So, what can we do?

First, we need serious investment in digital infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved areas. Second, policymakers must create an environment where competition drives down prices and access is equitable. Third, we must expand digital literacy education at every level, from children in classrooms to adults in the workforce.

But above all, we must treat digital access as a human right, not a luxury. This is a shared global challenge that demands shared global solutions. The EDISON Alliance showed us what’s possible. Now, the baton is in our hands.

If we want to truly deliver on the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals, then we must commit, not someday, but now, to closing the digital divide.

To learn more about the work being done, I encourage you to explore the EDISON Alliance and the Global Digital Literacy Council. The future is digital. Let’s ensure it’s also inclusive