Did you know that almost 85% of the global population was covered by a 4G network at the end of 2020? According to a survey analyzed in ITU’s report Measuring Digital Development: Facts and Figures 2020, 93% of the world’s population has access to a mobile broadband network. Major digital transformations enabled by the increasing Internet accessibility are impacting capacity building and skills development for the 21st century digital economy.
However, while the COVID-19 pandemic has led to another leap in the digitalization of learning, working, and skill development, it has also exacerbated the digital divide that reinforces social and economic disparities.
To seize opportunities presented by digitalization and to keep up with new jobs requirements, equipping oneself with digital skills has become essential. Research carried out by the World Economic Forum predicts that 54 percent of the population will need strong reskilling by 2022 – and this need is even more pressing for developing countries.