ICT Infrastructure and services

The development of e-commerce is intricately dependent on the quality of ICT infrastructure and related services. Private and public sector have undertaken initiatives in recent years to ensure affordable and reliable access to ICT. These initiatives are particularly needed in LDCs, where fewer than one out five people use the Internet, compared to almost nine out of 10 in developed countries, per ITU estimates. The digital divide is even more exacerbated by significant urban/ rural disparities in access and a widening gender gap in Internet access and use. The eT Ready recommendations implemented by countries are in line with global efforts towards meeting SDG target 9c to “significantly increase access to ICT and strive to provide universal and affordable access to Internet in the LDCs by 2020”. Most of the countries evaluated by the eT Ready programme have placed the need to connect their territories at the forefront of their development policies through major investments in ICT infrastructure, measures to foster mobile Internet connectivity and affordability, as well as improved access to electricity (see Figure 5). The overall implementation rate combining all 13 countries’ implemented recommendations in this policy area is 54 per cent.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Gender Equality

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure