Digital access is widening the gap between rich and poor countries

The World Bank found that internet access and use are still unevenly distributed in low and middle-income countries. This means countries with better infrastructure and more skilled workers will likely benefit more from digital tools, while others fall further behind.

This paper confirms that digital tools, often touted as equalizers, are actually reinforcing existing inequalities. Countries that already have reliable internet and educated populations will gain productivity boosts, while those without will struggle to catch up. This challenges the assumption that simply providing access to technology will automatically lead to development.