Closing the Gap

The digitalization divide: opportunities and challenges in emerging markets

The digitalization divide in emerging markets | Digital Nations | GZERO Media

In GZERO’s livestream event presented by Visa, a panel of geotech experts delved into the pivotal role of digitalization in shaping the global economy. One striking revelation emerged: Nearly three-fourths of all new value created by the end of this decade will be rooted in digitalization and digitally enabled business models. This underscores the seismic shift toward a digital-first world. While the prospects of this digital revolution are promising, Alexis Serfaty, director of geotechnology at Eurasia Group, highlighted a stark reality: Over 2.5 billion people still lack access to the Internet, effectively excluding them from the digital economy.

This digital divide poses a substantial risk as the world becomes increasingly digitized. As digital businesses flourish, there is concern that economic disparities could worsen, potentially leading to social instability in some regions.

To learn more about the challenges and opportunities that nation-states face when it comes to digitization, and how it could shape a more inclusive and resilient future, watch the full livestream conversation:

What Ukraine's digital revolution teaches the world

More For You

A photograph posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account shows him sitting next to CIA Director John Ratcliffe as they watch the U.S. military operation in Venezuela from Trump's Mar a Lago resort, in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., January 3, 2026.
@realDonaldTrump/Handout via REUTERS

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa attends the military parade of the Syrian army in Umayyad Square in central Damascus to mark the one-year anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime, on Dec. 8, 2025.

Mohammed Al-Rifai/dpa via Reuters Connect

A year ago this month, Syria’s brutal dictatorship collapsed. There are signs of recovery, but sectarian violence threatens to undermine the optimism.