A new paper on digital infrastructure divide which considers the hard/soft infrastructure divide, and gender digital divide in relation to digital infrastructure for sustainable and inclusive development has been published as part of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Trade Competitiveness Briefing Paper series.
The paper assesses infrastructure using various parameters including access, affordability and performance. It finds that a digital divide exists within and across the Commonwealth, at different levels. Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a major digital infrastructure divide that has affected economic activities across the Commonwealth, it has also highlighted the importance of sound digital infrastructure for economic sustainability in Commonwealth member countries.
The paper recommends that including digital infrastructure is a core component to accelerate economic recovery, asserting that digital infrastructure gaps must be addressed through effective and targeted interventions as Commonwealth countries further develop their economies.
Download ‘The Digital Infrastructure Divide in the Commonwealth’ paper 