SPOTL IGHT
OFQ : How are we progressing towards achieving universal and affordable connectivity by the 2030 deadline? DAY: There has been a lot of effort globally. It is not at the speed that we aspire to, but there has been progress. Take for example, the Broadband Commission led by the International Telecommunication Union and UNESCO. Here we see great improvement: One billion new people were connected to broadband last year – although that still leaves 2.7 billion off-grid worldwide. We’re also involved in the Edison Alliance, a partnership of organizations working to improve digital inclusion. At DCO we’re looking at two main things. First, how to create meaningful connectivity? You can be online, but if you don’t use the internet the right way, you won’t see the value. So yes, it’s a question of affordable devices and services, but also education and literacy – especially for women, the elderly and marginalized communities. Second, we’re looking at how to innovate connectivity. That means coming up with or improving technologies and services – via satellite, for instance. By contrast, fiber optic broadband is very expensive and not suited for a developing country like Pakistan, which is full of rocky mountains. OFQ : How can development funds help accelerate connectivity? DAY: Development funds play a huge role in accelerating the global digital transformation. Access to digital services has become as important as clean water and stable electricity because so many activities now depend on being able to access the internet. By investing in digital infrastructure – such as broadband networks, data centers and satellite connectivity – development banks can bridge the gaps in areas where private sector investment alone may not be viable. These investments are particularly critical in rural and remote areas, where high deployment costs and low population density often deter commercial telecom operators. By offering concessional loans, grants or blended finance facilities, development
partnering with institutions and non- governmental organizations (NGOs) that support underrepresented and marginalized communities. Working with refugees, we aim to give the best tools and advice to ensure they receive financial and other support, including online learning. Empowering vulnerable groups, such as refugees and people with disabilities, requires a multi-faceted approach to ensure equitable access to digital technologies, connectivity and skills training. For people with disabilities, adopting universal design principles and investing in assistive technologies are critical steps toward creating an inclusive digital ecosystem. Currently, only 3.3 percent of internet platforms – including websites, apps and digital tools – are fully accessible for people with disabilities, highlighting a significant gap. Improving digital accessibility can unlock opportunities for over 1.3 billion people with disabilities worldwide, enabling them to engage meaningfully in education, employment and civic life. This highlights the urgent need for inclusive design to be integrated into every stage of technology development. For refugees, connectivity is not just a luxury – it is a lifeline. Access to affordable mobile and internet services in camps and host communities can empower refugees to rebuild their lives, access education and employment opportunities, and stay connected with loved ones. However, refugees remain disproportionately excluded from the digital world. Data from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, reveals that refugees are 50 percent less likely than the general population to own a smartphone, while 29 percent of refugee households lack any phone at all. In rural areas, 20 percent of refugees live in regions with no connectivity whatsoever. These barriers deepen their isolation and limit their potential contributions to the digital economy. Women and entrepreneurs regardless of their age or location are at the heart of our mission. Why? Because we see the potential of their participation when it comes to global development. It shocks me when I see reports that 350 million women are expected to still lack
internet access by 2030. Meanwhile, the World Bank says that raising internet access to 75 percent in developing countries could boost their collective GDP by US$2 trillion and create 140 million new jobs, underscoring the substantial economic benefits of digital inclusion. At DCO we’re human-centric and impact-driven, which means we work on initiatives where we see contributions to development and improving the quality of life. One of our initiatives, “We-Elevate”, helps move traditional women-led businesses online by giving them training on financial acumen, marketing, payment gateways and supply chain delivery. We measure the revenues that come out of that, such as how many customers have been reached and how many jobs have been created – and we’ve seen amazing results. One woman who was selling perfume to her local community and moved to an e-commerce solution is now selling to 90 locations worldwide and has recruited 60 other women. That’s huge impact. We’ve enrolled 115 women-led businesses in Rwanda, we’re moving into Ghana and Nigeria and plan to start operations soon in Pakistan. Working with the World Bank and Islamic Development Bank, but also national payment gateways and e-commerce solutions within each country, we tailor our approach to foster homegrown startups and technology companies.
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