@A Billion aims to reach 1 billion people by 2030: 600 million using broadband internet and 400 million
Digital technologies are changing how people learn, work, do business, access services, and participate in the economy. A reliable internet connection can link a farmer to markets, a student to learning, a worker to new opportunities, or a family to essential services.
But access is only the beginning.
People and businesses also need affordable devices and data, trusted digital systems, and the skills to turn connectivity into meaningful use and opportunity. Governments need digital infrastructure to deliver better services. Businesses need the foundations to grow and create jobs. And countries need to be ready to harness AI as technology rapidly evolves.
That’s why the World Bank Group is advancing @A Billion—bringing together scalable digital solutions across four areas: access, affordability, ecosystems, and AI readiness and adaptation.
The World Development Report 2026: The Promise of Artificial Intelligence provides the evidence and framework for the AI dimension of this work—showing how developing countries can adopt, adapt, and advance AI to expand opportunity and development impact.
Together, these investments can help people and businesses connect and use digital services, build skills, raise productivity, and find better opportunities—while helping countries build the digital ecosystems they need to grow, create jobs, and prepare for the AI era.
This is about making digital technology work for people, businesses, and economies—turning digital progress into opportunity at scale.
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