"Connecting communities, empowering nations: Unifying the Regional and Global Economy ."

The digital age has transformed the way we live, work, and communicate—but not equally for all. Despite the rapid advancement of communication technologies and increasing global connectivity, 2.6 billion people across the world remain offline. This stark digital divide is not just a technological issue; it is a deeply rooted socio-economic challenge that demands urgent and bold action.

A Legacy of Communication, Evolving with Purpose

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), once known as the International Telegraph Union, reflects a long legacy of global collaboration in communication. Its evolution mirrors how technology has shifted—from telegrams to satellites, from analog signals to digital transformation. Yet, what remains constant is the necessity for global institutions to stay ahead of these changes and lead the charge toward inclusivity and innovation.

In an age when digital access is often synonymous with access to opportunity, information, and rights, being offline equates to exclusion. Internet access is no longer a luxury—it’s a basic enabler of human development.

The Scope of the Divide: Regional Realities

According to recent data from the ITU, global internet penetration stands at approximately 68%. However, this number masks deep disparities:

In Africa, only 38% of the population is connected.

Within the continent, disparities between countries are vast—some nearing 80% penetration, others languishing below 20%.


These gaps are not only technological—they reflect inequalities in infrastructure investment, policy focus, affordability, digital literacy, and socio-political stability.

Beyond Connectivity: The True Meaning of Digital Transition

Morocco’s approach provides an insightful example of framing the digital journey not as an instantaneous transformation, but as a transition. This framing is critical—it acknowledges that digital inclusion is a long-term process involving not just hardware and networks but human and institutional capacities.

True digital transition means:

Building digital skills across age groups and sectors

Creating jobs aligned with the digital economy

Reforming education to meet the needs of a changing labor market

Ensuring cybersecurity and ethical use of AI and data

Designing policies that support access, affordability, and innovation


Bold Actions for Bold Outcomes

The question we must confront is: What bold actions are required to connect the 2.6 billion still offline?

1. Massive Infrastructure Investment: Particularly in underserved regions. Public-private partnerships can catalyze broadband expansion, especially in rural and remote areas.


2. Affordable Access Models: Internet and devices must be affordable. Subsidy programs and zero-rating essential services can help.


3. Digital Literacy Campaigns: Connectivity is meaningless without the skills to use it. Digital education must become as foundational as literacy and numeracy.


4. Localized Content and Languages: The digital world must be relevant to local users, including indigenous languages, cultural content, and regional services.


5. Regulatory Innovation: Governments must embrace forward-looking regulatory frameworks that support innovation while ensuring data privacy, net neutrality, and fair competition.


6. Inclusive Policies: Special focus must be placed on women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities who are often left behind in digital progress.


Inclusion is the Future

The digital divide is not just a technological lag—it is a moral and developmental crisis. Bridging this gap is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting equality, and unlocking the true potential of billions.

As the ITU and global leaders convene to shape the future of digital policy, the question is not whether we can afford to connect the unconnected—but whether we can afford not to. Because in today’s world, being offline is not just being disconnected—it’s being left behind.