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LLDC3 Connectivity Track

10-13 December 2024, Gaborone, Botswana

Internet connectivity is a transformative opportunity for LLDCs, which face inherent geographical and structural constraints such as lack of direct access to the sea, transportation and communication obstacles, long distances from major markets, cumbersome transit procedures, and inadequate infrastructure.

Advancing meaningful internet connectivity in LLDCs would facilitate the flow of information and services, enabling businesses to reach global markets without the need for extensive physical infrastructure. The digitalization of economic activities could help LLDCs participate in international trade by overcoming traditional barriers -- including the cost of physical storefronts and distribution networks -- enabling them to move more commerce online. ICTs can also improve the efficiency of transportation and logistics through advanced tracking and management systems, helping LLDCs manage trade processes and reduce costs. Additionally, implementing ICTs in public services can streamline governance and improve service delivery in areas such as education and health.

Despite the potential, LLDCs lag in ICT competitiveness, relying heavily on ICT goods imports. Over the last decade, ICT goods exports as a percentage of total trade for LLDCs remained below 1 percent, reaching just 0.6 percent in 2021. This is in stark contrast to the global increase in ICT goods exports by 4 percent post-COVID-19.

Significant progress is needed to achieve universal ICT connectivity in LLDCs. As of 2023, only 39 percent of individuals in LLDCs used the internet, compared to the world average of 67 percent. There are disparities across regions and countries: internet use was 63 percent in the 12 LLDCs in Asia, while in the 16 LLDCs in Africa, the average was only 26 percent. A digital gender gap also persists, with 44 percent of the male population online compared to 35 percent of the female population.

Affordability remains a major barrier to universal connectivity in LLDCs. Prices are typically higher than global medians, varying across countries and types of service (fixed or mobile broadband). For example, in 2023, the price of an entry-level mobile-broadband basket as a percentage of monthly gross national income (GNI) per capita ranged from 0.6 percent in Azerbaijan to 32.7 percent in Chad. The median price in African LLDCs was 4.8 percent of GNI per capita, compared to 1.1 percent in Asian LLDCs, which is below the world median of 1.3 percent.

The imperative for robust connectivity and digital innovation has been emphasized in all three regional review meetings leading up to LLDC3. The connectivity track of the conference will focus on four key areas in LLDCs:

• Access: Connecting people everywhere
• Adoption: Empowering communities
• Value Creation: Advancing Meaningful Connectivity
• Accelerate: Incentivizing investments.

These efforts are aligned with the international community's New Program of Action for LLDCs over the next decade, which outlines five priority areas. The first of these is structural transformation and science, technology and innovation. This priority area includes key targets and commitments related to digital connectivity, for example:

• Increasing action to bridge the artificial intelligence and other digital divides between and within countries.
• Establishing regional digital platforms for peer-to-peer level learning, trainings, and capacity building.
• Enhancing digital literacy, and proficiency including in advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and automation technologies, to harness opportunities and optimize the use of new and emerging technology.
• Expanding the participation of LLDCs in the digital economy, including by enhancing their digital infrastructure connectivity, building their capacities and access to technological innovations through stronger partnerships and improving digital literacy and skills.
• Supporting LLDCs in developing and strengthening national digital strategies, meaningful digital connectivity, skills development, national regulatory frameworks, and conducive regional and global environment.

Achieving the goals of the New Program of Action for LLDCs will require universal, affordable, and meaningful access to connectivity, supported by the necessary investments and partnerships.