Digital Divide and Technology Inequality
2.6 billion people remain offline globally. The coverage gap concentrates in Sub-Saharan Africa (37 percent internet use), South Asia (53 percent), and least developed countries (36 percent). Women are 12 percent less likely to use the internet, with a 32 percent gap in LDCs. One-third of the global population lacks basic digital skills. 5G coverage reaches 84 percent in high-income countries versus 4 percent in low-income countries. As AI transforms economies, those without connectivity face permanent exclusion from AI-driven services in health, education, and finance.
Probability
Horizon: 10y
Claims
2.6 billion people remain offline, and the AI transformation of economies will deepen rather than narrow this exclusion.
ITU primary data from national regulators confirms the 2.6 billion figure (Evidence Level A). The AI exclusion hypothesis is supported by Brookings and OECD analysis but remains partially prospective. Evidence Level B for connectivity data, C for AI impact projections.
Indicators
- • 2.6 billion people remain offline globally
- • Sub-Saharan Africa at 37 percent internet use
- • Women 12 percent less likely to use internet (32 percent gap in LDCs)
- • 5G reaches 84 percent in high-income versus 4 percent in low-income countries
- • Mobile data costs vary 300x between countries
- • One-third of global population lacks basic digital skills
Interactions
Sources
- ITU — Facts and Figures 2025 (accessed Fri Apr 03 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time))
- Brookings Institution — Digital Divide and Inclusion (accessed Fri Apr 03 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time))
- OECD — Bridging the Digital Gender Divide (accessed Fri Apr 03 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time))