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The Digital Abyss in Developing Countries

The Opportunity—and the Crisis


Imagine a world where two-thirds of the population remains offline—not by choice, but by circumstance. This is the everyday reality in the developing countries around the world. Despite the digital revolution, internet usage in these regions has only increased from around 4% in 2011 to roughly 36% in 2022, leaving hundreds of millions unconnected compared to the global average of 66% internet usage. 


Even more alarming? The global connectivity gap isn’t closing—it’s widening. The difference between average global connectivity and the levels in the least developed countries has grown from 27 percentage points (2011) to 30 points by 2022. 


Why it Happens: The Barriers Are Multifaceted


  1. Infrastructure & Access


More than 1 in 6 people live in areas that still don’t have mobile broadband coverage. There is a lack of incentive for service providers to build and deploy infrastructure, resulting in only 28% of the rural population having access to the internet. 


Wide angle view of a rural landscape with limited connectivity
A rural area lacking internet infrastructure

  1. Affordability


Internet remains the least affordable in these regions, with costs far exceeding those in other parts of the world. In addition to this, devices are also prohibitively expensive for those residing in these areas with only 8% of households having a computer and 58% owning a mobile phone. 


Close-up view of a mobile phone on a table
A mobile phone representing digital access challenges

  1. Skills & Digital Literacy


Even where infrastructure exists, meaningful use is hindered by lack of training and digital awareness. Less than 10% of the population shops online and there is significantly less awareness of internet usage for business with only an average of 7% of the population possessing this knowledge.  


These intertwined issues create digital deserts—areas where, despite potential access, true connectivity remains elusive.


Girls & Women: The Most Excluded


The deeply entrenched socio-cultural attitudes about the role of women in society has resulted in women in both developing and least developed countries being left on the fringes of technology use. Women in these countries have significantly lower access to and participation in technology compared to men in the same countries. With an estimated 4 out of 5 women living in developing countries, this is a significant part of the population that is increasingly marginalised and unable to benefit from technology usage leading to lower educational opportunities and employment rates. 


In addition to the internet playing a pivotal role in everyday life and providing access to civic participation, education, employment, commerce, and more, it has the potential to mitigate or even remove barriers to this participation for marginalised groups. This global connectivity isn’t equally shared—women and girls are disproportionately excluded:


  • In least developed countries, only 29% of women use the Internet, compared to 41% of men.

  • Young girls are 35% less likely than young boys to have digital skills. 

  • Globally, men lead—70% use the Internet versus 65% of women, resulting in 244 million more men than women online. 

  • In low-income and least accessible communities, this ‘gender digital gap’ can range from a colossal 30 to 50 percentage points.

  • Gender equality in internet access isn't just fair—it unlocks a cascade of social and economic benefits.


Without tech access, too many girls and women face immense barriers to learning, earning, and participating—hindering global progress. Facilitating women’s use of ICT can lead to significant social progress and can also play a part in sustainable rural poverty reduction. 


Global Collaboration Still Falls Short


The UN’s ITU Partner2Connect Digital Coalition is mobilizing—over $50 billion in pledges are on the table for global digital inclusion.


Yet pledges alone aren't enough. Real change demands coordinated action, locally tailored solutions, and accountability to the people most affected.


Why Private Sector Must Lead—Responsibly


There’s a vital role for businesses—beyond philanthropy, linking tech solutions to systemic change:


  1. Deploy Sustainable Infrastructure

    Invest in resilient, community-centered connectivity where it's needed most—rural areas, schools, clinics.


  2. Support Digital Literacy & Safety for Women

    Fund programs teaching digital skills while ensuring safe and inclusive access—especially for women and girls.


  3. Enable Access through Affordable Device

    Provide refurbished, secure, licensed devices via trusted refurbishers. Every device with a valid OS is a step toward inclusion.


  4. Design with Inclusion in Mind

    Create services and platforms keeping accessibility, language barriers, gender norms, and local context in mind.


  5. Collaborate for Lasting Impact

    Partner with nonprofits, governments, and the UN for scalable models focusing on effectiveness and sustainability.


Conclusion: The Digital Divide Won’t Close Itself


The digital divide in developing countries is entrenched—driven by infrastructure, cost, skills, and gender inequality. The stakes are high: billions of potential innovators, learners, and entrepreneurs remain sidelined. Digital inclusion isn’t a charity act—it’s good business, smart humanitarianism, and a global necessity.


At VIG Computers, we see a future where technology delivers equity, not division. Through sustainable IT solutions and strategic partnerships, we’re committed to turning digital isolation into digital opportunity.



Take Action with VIG


If your organization is ready to invest in digital equity—especially for women and girls—let’s talk. Whether it’s device solutions, connectivity projects, or literacy programs, we’re ready to build bridges together.


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