The Digital Economy Navigator

Representing 85% of the global population and 94% of global GDP.

Gaps are narrowing fastest in infrastructure, skills, governance, and finance—areas that create a strong foundation for the future development of the digital economy.

Nearly all of those who are connected use digital platforms to stay in touch with family and friends, manage finances, and access health and education services.

DEN Survey respondents reported access to knowledge, banking and finance, and education, as well as social connections to be the areas where digital technologies had the most positive impact on their lives.

in the 80 countries covered by the DEN use digital tools and resources for work tasks every day indicating broad-ranging reach of the digital economy and a strong potential for further growth.

The DEN 2025 research finds countries across all income level groups are proving that it is possible to climb the digital ladder and create opportunities for their populations, with lower-middle-income countries showing the greatest progress compared to the first edition of the DEN, 2024.

People living in rural areas and lower-income countries, older generations, and women are all less likely to participate in the digital economy. Despite the strong benefits of being online, a lack of confidence in digital systems could undermine progress.

The DEN 2025 survey respondents were most likely to identify online security and privacy concerns (33.2%) as their primary barrier, followed by a lack of trust in online financial services (21.7%). Survey respondents reported encountering a threat such as a virus or phishing on average every four months.

Only about 3.1% of women graduates specialize in fields relating to information and communication technologies (ICT), compared with 9.6% of men, limiting women’s ability to participate in advanced digital jobs.

Digital banking, public transport and online doctor booking are the digital services areas with the biggest market potential, with estimates of more than 1 billion people in each.

if they were connected to the internet. The digital economy around the world has strong potential for further growth if the right conditions are put in place.

across 80 countries in the DEN. The success of the digital future will be shaped not only by speed and scale, but also by its sustainability.

highlighting a stark gap with the 69.6% of respondents who reported basic digital skills.

With cyber safety concerns on the rise, DEN data show that individuals are improving data protection skills in almost all countries—but also that more efforts are needed to prevent individual cyber incidents. As AI applications continue to be rapidly deployed, the DEN 2025 notes that AI governance remains an area for improvement in digital economy development.

Despite concerns, more than half of DEN 2025 survey respondents felt AI was a positive force for their country's economy.

per person per year in DEN countries. The highest level recorded is in high-income countries (18.3kg).

Actions today will decide whether the digital economy becomes a driver of shared prosperity or a source of deeper divides. The opportunities and risks of digitalization transcend national borders and regional and global cooperation is essential—through harmonized standards, shared best practices, and joint investments in infrastructure and skills.

to make digital opportunities accessible, affordable, and trusted by all. The DCO is dedicated to enable digital prosperity for all. We call on global partners to expand the evidence base on the digital economy and to make an inclusive digital future not just an aspiration, but a measurable reality.