2 days ago
- Business
- The South African
Here are the numbers behind the Digital Transformation Task Force's mission
The B20's Digital Transformation Task Force has announced a bold strategy to close the world's digital divide and drive inclusive economic growth through infrastructure development, skills training, and innovation.
With 32% of the global population still offline, and a $1.7 trillion (R30 trillion) investment gap in digital infrastructure, the Digital Transformation Task Force is calling for urgent action to connect underserved communities.
In low-income regions, digital inequality is especially stark – 15% more men than women have access to the internet. The task force has warned that without intervention, these disparities will widen, further entrenching social and economic divides.
The strategy also highlights the need for a major shift in digital skills. By 2030, 22% of current jobs will be affected by digital transformation, while 92 million jobs could be displaced. Meanwhile, 84 million children and youth are projected to be out of school, compounding the workforce readiness challenge.
Economic growth is also a key focus. In 2022, US digital economy activities contributed 6.3% to real gross domestic product (GDP). Looking forward, AI-driven productivity could boost global GDP by 7%. However, small businesses still lag – producing only half the output of larger companies.
These priorities are captured in the task force's Aspiration Statement, which advocates for policies that ensure accessible digital infrastructure, promote workforce readiness, and encourage strategic investments.
The statement calls on governments and the private sector to champion innovation, economic growth and the bridging of the digital divide.
With coordinated global efforts, the task force aims to foster a more inclusive and prosperous digital future.
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