Introduction - digital for development
The relationship between Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and 'development' has continuously evolved over time. Some researchers suggests that we may be entering a new phase, often referred to as ICT for development (ICT4D) where digital technologies need to be increasingly integrated into development strategies and policies.
The World Bank defines (economic) development, as distinct from mere economic growth, because it combines: (1) self-sustaining growth; (2) structural change in patterns of production; (3) technological upgrading; (4) social, political and institutional modernization; and (5) widespread improvement in the human condition.
Understanding where ICT could, or should fit is critical for development policymakers. Key characteristics of ICT4D within the context of development include:
Inclusivity and accessibility. Ensuring that ICT resources are accessible to marginalised groups, such as rural populations, women, and people with disabilities, through culturally relevant solutions that accommodate various literacy levels.
Context-specific solutions. Designing technologies that are tailored to the local context, considering cultural, economic, and infrastructural factors while promoting the creation and use of locally relevant content.
Capacity building and digital literacy. Prioritising digital skill development to empower communities and enhance the capabilities of local institutions to sustain ICT initiatives.
Participatory and community-driven approaches. Involving local communities in every phase of ICT projects to ensure ownership, relevance, and sustainability.
Scalability and sustainability. Developing solutions that can be scaled and sustained through strategic partnerships and cost-effective models that adapt to changing needs.
Cross-sectoral integration. Embedding ICT4D initiatives across sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and governance to drive holistic development outcomes.
Ethical and responsible use of technology. Addressing concerns related to data privacy, security, and the ethical use of emerging technologies to avoid exacerbating existing inequalities.
Partnerships and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Promoting cooperation among governments, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations to leverage shared knowledge and resources for sustainable development.
Impact-driven and measurable outcomes. Implementing frameworks to monitor and evaluate the social, economic, and environmental impacts of ICT initiatives.
Shifts in development priorities
The landscape for development has continued to evolve including the shift from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This introduced a focus on transformation, inclusion, and sustainability. These shifts reflect the need for innovative approaches, ensuring that all populations benefit from development efforts and prioritizing sustainable practices that do not compromise future generations.
The technological evolution from "ICT" to "digital" also reflects the broader application of these tools in development, encompassing infrastructure, systems, and digital processes that drive impactful change.
Digital foundations for development
Digital technologies have moved from being peripheral tools to becoming central components of development strategies. This shift is characterised by increased reach (accessibility to low-income communities), scope (integration across all development sectors), and depth (influence on decision-making and communication). Core technologies now include mobile phones, broadband, and cloud computing, while social media, digital platforms, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are increasingly essential in development.
Digital infrastructure has expanded so significantly that ICT has shifted from being a specialised resource into a utility that is accessible to most. This evolution means that digital platforms, IoT devices, and telecommunications innovations can meaningfully closing connectivity gaps and enhance processes in agriculture and healthcare.
The proliferation of data also enables a more data-driven approach to development, offering opportunities for more agile, efficient, and interconnected processes. However, it also requires addressing challenges related to digital divides and varying user experiences.
The digital economy as a focus
The digital economy is emerging as a critical area for growth, even in low-resource settings. Though it currently represents a small share of GDP and employment in developing countries, the rapid growth of the ICT sector offers substantial potential. Digital products and business models are increasingly tailored to meet the needs of low-income markets, offering new avenues for economic development. This will inevitably make it an attractive focus area for development policy makers.
The need for a paradigm shift in digital initiatives?
Traditional ICT4D approaches, however, are often framed development challenges through technocentric and market-oriented perspectives, assuming that digital tools inherently contribute to progress. Masiero, S. (2022) highlights the risks of overlooking the social, political, and cultural complexities that shape how technologies are experienced in different settings. Masiero opines that the assumptions that ICTs are inherently neutral and beneficial have been debunked, and that they too can reinforce existing inequalities, impose exploitative practices, or perpetuate colonial legacies. This then reiterates the need for a more nuanced and context-driven approach to ICT4D.
Re-framing development within digital initiatives
Masiero further notes that the concept of “development” itself has come under scrutiny, with scholars and practitioners calling for a re-framing centered on justice, equity, and empowerment rather than merely economic growth. For ICT4D, this requires rethinking success metrics beyond efficiency gains to include fairness, accessibility, and the active involvement of marginalized communities. By prioritizing the reduction of social and economic inequalities through ICT4D, reform efforts can contribute to a more inclusive development agenda.
Addressing the complexities of ICT4D therefore requires interdisciplinary research and practice, drawing insights from fields such as economics, public administration, sociology, and indigenous studies. Recent ICT4D literature emphasizes the value of integrating diverse theoretical frameworks, from capabilities approaches to critical data studies, in designing and evaluating digital systems. This broadened perspective encourages a more holistic understanding of how digital tools interact with existing power structures and societal norms, leading to more effective and sustainable reforms.
Contextualised understanding
Acknowledging the limitations of one-size-fits-all solutions is crucial in designing digital systems that respect local contexts and indigenous knowledge. Instead of imposing externally defined technological solutions, reforms should be co-designed with local stakeholders, allowing for culturally relevant practices and perspectives to shape the systems’ functionalities. This approach not only enhances the legitimacy of reforms but also ensures that the benefits of digital transformation are equitably distributed.
Conclusion: Evolving relationship between digital and development
The relationship between ICT and development has shifted from being peripheral to central. As digital technologies increasingly become the platform 'mediating' development, they will become more integral to mainstream policies and strategies. This ongoing shift suggests that further effort is needed to fully understand and capitalise on the evolving "digital-for-development" paradigm and its implications for future development strategies.
A note of caution however, is also necessary to enure that any ICT4D initiatives focus on the right things and reflect the context and reality of those it claims to benefit with outcomes that they can own and sustain.
References
Heeks, R. (2020). ICT4D 3.0? Part 1—The components of an emerging “digital‐for‐development” paradigm. The Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries, 86(3), e12124.
Masiero, S. (2022). Should we still be doing ICT4D research?. The Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries, 88(5), e12215.
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