Why digital inclusion is priceless

In our increasingly interconnected world, digital cooperation is a new and powerful key for ensuring inclusive development at the global level. By partnering up, we can ensure technological advancements benefit all, while promoting economic growth throughout our societies. This cooperation is also helping to set international standards and protect online rights – so essential for building trust across borders and cultures. To learn more about this huge yet fastmoving topic, we sat down with Deemah AlYahya, the Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). 

OPEC Fund Quarterly: What is the mission of DCO? 

Deemah AlYahya: DCO is the first intergovernmental organization to focus on accelerating digital transformation and steering it towards a sustainable and inclusive digital economy. It was established and developed by like-minded nations, which came together in the belief that the digital economy represents the future of growth and prosperity for their citizens. Our 16 member states aim to create a world where every nation, company and individual has a fair opportunity to prosper in the digital economy. Our governments are sharing best practice, stimulating innovation and working towards the goal of creating an inclusive, resilient and sustainable digital economy. 

OFQ: How does that look in the context of the just energy transition? 

DAY: At DCO we see the just energy transition in human-centric terms. Our goal is to create a better future for humanity by improving productivity and quality of life. We’re exploring how to equip people with the right technologies to harness the opportunities of the digital economy and help them fulfill their potential in a sustainable manner that keeps environmental issues in consideration. 

Many countries that we represent have high rates of connectivity. Some reach 90 to 100 percent 4G, but still have a low percentage of citizens using the internet. Why? Because of the affordability of devices and services. To connect more people to the internet, we’re working on a project with high-consumption countries. We refurbish their smartphones and laptops, before sending them on to schools and hospitals in countries where device affordability is an issue. We’re also working on energy consumption standards for innovators and documenting the failures of technology in environmental and ethical terms. 

OFQ: Should free internet access be a human right? 

DAY: I am in favor of an open internet, but with the right standards. Technology is like any other tool – it can be used for good or bad reasons. Unfortunately, the internet is often being used in negative ways. One of them is to spread misinformation and disinformation that disrupts the well-being of our citizens. The private sector, platform owners and governments have a responsibility to put in place some limitations to safeguard the internet for our children and generations to come. 

OFQ: You’re a strong advocate for women and youth. How can we “digitally empower” other vulnerable groups like refugees, the elderly and people with disabilities? 

DAY: I just came back from a mission to Baghdad, where I discovered that the elderly and farmers actually have the highest connectivity. Many are illiterate, but they still use their devices to take pictures and send voice notes. It was inspiring to see that and to know that DCO’s efforts can contribute to these people’s quality of life. We’re also partnering with institutions and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that support underrepresented and marginalized communities. Working with refugees, we aim to give the best tools and advice to ensure they receive financial and other support, including online learning. 

Empowering vulnerable groups, such as refugees and people with disabilities, requires a multi-faceted approach to ensure equitable access to digital technologies, connectivity and skills training. For people with disabilities, adopting universal design principles and investing in assistive technologies are critical steps toward creating an inclusive digital ecosystem. 

Currently, only 3.3 percent of internet platforms – including websites, apps and digital tools – are fully accessible for people with disabilities, highlighting a significant gap. Improving digital accessibility can unlock opportunities for over 1.3 billion people with disabilities worldwide, enabling them to engage meaningfully in education, employment and civic life. This highlights the urgent need for inclusive design to be integrated into every stage of technology development. 

For refugees, connectivity is not just a luxury – it is a lifeline. Access to affordable mobile and internet services in camps and host communities can empower refugees to rebuild their lives, access education and employment opportunities, and stay connected with loved ones. However, refugees remain disproportionately excluded from the digital world. Data from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, reveals that refugees are 50 percent less likely than the general population to own a smartphone, while 29 percent of refugee households lack any phone at all. In rural areas, 20 percent of refugees live in regions with no connectivity whatsoever. These barriers deepen their isolation and limit their potential contributions to the digital economy. 

Women and entrepreneurs regardless of their age or location are at the heart of our mission. Why? Because we see the potential of their participation when it comes to global development. It shocks me when I see reports that 350 million women are expected to still lack internet access by 2030. Meanwhile, the World Bank says that raising internet access to 75 percent in developing countries could boost their collective GDP by US$2 trillion and create 140 million new jobs, underscoring the substantial economic benefits of digital inclusion. 

At DCO we’re human-centric and impact-driven, which means we work on initiatives where we see contributions to development and improving the quality of life. One of our initiatives, “We-Elevate”, helps move traditional women-led businesses online by giving them training on financial acumen, marketing, payment gateways and supply chain delivery. We measure the revenues that come out of that, such as how many customers have been reached and how many jobs have been created – and we’ve seen amazing results. One woman who was selling perfume to her local community and moved to an e-commerce solution is now selling to 90 locations worldwide and has recruited 60 other women. That’s huge impact. 

We’ve enrolled 115 women-led businesses in Rwanda, we’re moving into Ghana and Nigeria and plan to start operations soon in Pakistan. Working with the World Bank and Islamic Development Bank, but also national payment gateways and e-commerce solutions within each country, we tailor our approach to foster homegrown startups and technology companies. 

OFQ: How are we progressing towards achieving universal and affordable connectivity by the 2030 deadline? 

DAY: There has been a lot of effort globally. It is not at the speed that we aspire to, but there has been progress. Take for example, the Broadband Commission led by the International Telecommunication Union and UNESCO. Here we see great improvement: One billion new people were connected to broadband last year – although that still leaves 2.7 billion off-grid worldwide. We’re also involved in the Edison Alliance, a partnership of organizations working to improve digital inclusion. 

At DCO we’re looking at two main things. First, how to create meaningful connectivity? You can be online, but if you don’t use the internet the right way, you won’t see the value. So yes, it’s a question of affordable devices and services, but also education and literacy – especially for women, the elderly and marginalized communities. Second, we’re looking at how to innovate connectivity. That means coming up with or improving technologies and services – via satellite, for instance. By contrast, fiber optic broadband is very expensive and not suited for a developing country like Pakistan, which is full of rocky mountains. 

OFQ: How can development funds help accelerate connectivity? 

DAY: Development funds play a huge role in accelerating the global digital transformation. Access to digital services has become as important as clean water and stable electricity because so many activities now depend on being able to access the internet. By investing in digital infrastructure – such as broadband networks, data centers and satellite connectivity – development banks can bridge the gaps in areas where private sector investment alone may not be viable. These investments are particularly critical in rural and remote areas, where high deployment costs and low population density often deter commercial telecom operators. By offering concessional loans, grants or blended finance facilities, development banks can lower the risk for private investors and incentivize infrastructure development. 

Beyond financing, development banks can provide technical assistance and expertise to support the creation of regulatory frameworks that encourage competition, improve affordability and ensure equitable access. Development banks can also champion regional initiatives, such as cross-border fiber optic networks or data-sharing agreements, to promote digital connectivity on a broader scale. These efforts not only expand access but also enhance resilience by diversifying connectivity options. 

One challenge for development funds is that they often don’t have clear data. That’s why DCO has developed and launched its Digital Economy Navigator (DEN), which provides our stakeholders – development funds, governments and the private sector – with a data-driven, human-centric approach to digital economy maturity, identifying opportunities for countries, businesses and societies. We’re covering the full value chain in building a resilient, inclusive and sustainable infrastructure. 

OFQ: How can we turn high-level pledges into real-world action? What metrics do we need to benchmark digital inclusion and literacy? 

DAY: Turning high-level pledges into real-world action requires moving beyond commitments to concrete, actionable strategies. This involves establishing clear implementation plans with measurable milestones, mobilizing resources and fostering accountability through regular monitoring and transparent reporting. Collaboration is essential, with governments, the private sector, international organizations and civil society aligning their efforts to prioritize inclusivity and sustainability. Additionally, capacity building and localized solutions are critical to ensuring these strategies address the unique challenges of underserved communities. 

To benchmark digital inclusion and literacy effectively, I can again highlight the DEN that measures the digital economy performance across 50 countries using 102 indicators. The DEN provides actionable insights by analyzing metrics such as internet penetration rates, affordability, digital literacy levels, gender parity in digital access and the quality of internet services. This tool is designed to support states in identifying gaps, benchmarking their progress and prioritizing interventions that promote inclusive digital transformation. Additionally, the tool supports global alignment by encouraging the adoption of best practices and harmonized standards and its features offer comprehensive insights into strengths and gaps within digital ecosystems. 

By leveraging tools like the DEN and fostering collaboration among stakeholders we can turn high-level pledges into impactful action. Through clear metrics, targeted strategies and sustained accountability, the global community can ensure digital inclusion and literacy become cornerstones of equitable development, leaving no one behind in the digital age. 

Deemah AlYahya 

Deemah AlYahya is the first Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), an intergovernmental body established in 2020. A Saudi national, AlYahya has spent nearly 20 years working in the USA and across the Middle East, from Microsoft to Saudi Arabia’s National Digital Transformation Unit. She holds a BA in Computer Science and Information Systems from King Saud University and has attended senior executive programs at INSEAD and Harvard Business School.