#None #Digital Literacy #Global GDP #AI Competence

Bridging the Digital Competence Gap: Unlocking Economic Growth

Recent research from GSMA Intelligence, in partnership with Huawei, highlights a pressing issue in today’s digital world: despite mobile broadband availability, over 38% of people remain disconnected from internet services. This disconnection is often attributed to insufficient digital skills.

The Scope of the Problem

The study, released during UNESCO's Digital Learning Week, reveals that a staggering 3.1 billion individuals lack adequate digital competencies, user trust, and AI skills. Closing this competence gap could potentially increase the global GDP by approximately $3.5 trillion by 2030, with over 90% of these gains benefiting low and middle-income countries (LMICs). The physical mobile network currently covers 96% of the global population, underscoring the need for more than just infrastructure.

The Dual Role of AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to serve both as a bridge and a barrier for underserved communities. Tools such as AI-powered voice assistants can help users with low literacy navigate technology without requiring text input. However, these tools also require users to understand privacy concerns and recognize risks like fraud and deepfakes.

According to World Bank statistics referenced in the study, generative AI skills command the highest wage premiums—up to 36%—significantly outpacing traditional digital skills. Without targeted digital literacy initiatives, the rapid adoption of AI could reinforce existing inequalities, even in areas with complete network coverage.

Empowering Rural and Underserved Communities

Digital inclusion initiatives primarily target those at the highest risk of exclusion, including rural communities, children and educators in remote schools, the elderly, and women and girls. The report calls for community-based delivery models, such as Huawei’s “Skills on Wheels” initiative, which features solar-powered mobile DigiTruck classrooms. These trucks bring technology, rural connectivity, and practical training—including AI competency—directly to off-grid regions.

Since 2019, the Skills on Wheels program has provided training to over 130,000 individuals across 21 countries, positively impacting many more indirectly. DigiTruck trainers encourage participants to share their newly acquired skills with family and peers. A report from Kenya’s Ministry of Information indicates that 79% of DigiTruck participants shared their digital skills with others, demonstrating the program's ripple effect.

Recommendations for Policymakers

To bridge the usage gap, the report encourages collaboration among policymakers, telecom operators, and technology providers, focusing on the following priorities:
1. Practical AI awareness should be considered a national fundamental competence, along with online safety and information verification.
2. Implement multilingual voice and conversational interfaces in public services to minimize user-related technical barriers.
3. Expand mobile learning units through cross-sector partnerships that connect network providers, technology suppliers, and local NGO networks.
4. Assess performance based on task completion and fraud resilience rather than merely participant numbers.

Tim Hatt, head of research and consulting at GSMA Intelligence, stated, “Digital competence can no longer be defined by static thresholds. Connectivity alone is insufficient—skills, system design, and trust must evolve together. To harness this multitrillion-dollar opportunity, stakeholders must integrate multilayered AI competence into daily lives through trusted channels within communities.”

Gavin Allen, Huawei's editor-in-chief, noted the success of mobile classrooms in helping underserved groups overcome technology-related barriers. “We will continue to collaborate with local authorities and industry partners to promote digital competence, ensuring that no one is left behind in the transition to an AI-driven economy.”

The new “DigiTruck” program is set to launch this fall in France, targeting low-income and underserved communities with digital skills training across several cities in the Île-de-France region. For more insights, the full report can be accessed on the GSMA Intelligence research portal.