Closing Digital Literacy Gap Could Unlock $3.5 Tn Global Growth 📈

• Global Economy & LMICs: Closing the global capabilities divide could add $3.5 Tn to global GDP by 2030. Over 90% of these gains are projected to benefit low- and middle-income countries. • The Connectivity Gap: While mobile broadband physical coverage reaches 96% globally, 3.1 billion people (38% of global population) remain offline due to shortages in digital skills, AI literacy, and user trust. • Role of AI: AI serves as both an enabler and barrier. Voice and multi-modal apps help low-literacy users bypass text input, but require higher critical thinking regarding data privacy, fraud, and deepfakes. • Skill Value & Workforce: GenAI literacy offers the highest economic return, carrying a wage premium of up to 36%—outperforming traditional digital skills. Without basic digital interventions, rapid AI expansion risks worsening structural inequality.