IGF 2025 Open Forum #5 Bridging digital divide for Inclusive Growth Under the GDC

The United Nations Global Digital Compact (GDC) presents a landmark opportunity for the international community to shape a shared digital future that is inclusive, sustainable, and human-centred. However, nearly 2.7 billion people worldwide remain offline, limiting their access to economic opportunities, education, and essential services.In Africa, approximately 60% of the population—over 700 million people—remain offline. The divide is most severe in rural areas, where only 23% have internet access, compared to 57% in urban areas. Gender disparities are also stark, with 43% of men using the Internet compared to just 31% of women.While 82% of Africa’s population is covered by mobile broadband, significant barriers such as affordability, digital literacy gaps, and lack of infrastructure continue to hinder connectivity. Africa’s participation in the global digital economy remains minimal, contributing less than 1% to global digital platforms and only 0.85% to ICT service exports. Beyond connectivity, nearly 500 million Africans lack recognized identification, excluding them from essential services, financial systems, and civic participation, as highlighted by the World Bank's ID4D Initiative. Additionally, 42% of the population lacks basic digital skills, further exacerbating digital exclusion.The gender gap in tech is another pressing challenge, with women representing only 24% of Africa’s tech workforce. This underrepresentation highlights the urgent need for inclusive policies and investments to bridge the digital divide, enhance skills development, and ensure equitable participation in the digital economy. Bridging the digital divide is not just a technological challenge—it is a fundamental development imperative for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Without urgent action, this divide will continue to widen global inequalities, further marginalizing those who are already underserved. Objective 1 of the Global Digital Compact (GDC), Connecting all people to the Internet, including all schools, serves as a critical accelerator for UN SDG 8 - Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. Achieving affordable, accessible, and meaningful connectivity requires a comprehensive approach, including expanding digital infrastructure, reducing costs, building digital skills, and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, such as women, children, persons with disabilities, and rural communities. This high-level round table discussion will examine how implementing GDC 1 can accelerate progress toward SDG 8, exploring key strategies, challenges, and opportunities to leverage digital connectivity as a catalyst for economic inclusion, job creation, and sustainable growth.

To facilitate interaction between onsite and online speakers and attendees, we will use a hybrid event platform with a dedicated moderator to ensure seamless engagement. Real-time Q&A, polling tools such as Mentimeter, and live chat monitoring will allow both in-person and remote participants to contribute equally. These strategies will create a dynamic and engaging experience, fostering meaningful exchanges and actionable outcomes for all attendees.