Digital infrastructure investment

Digital infrastructure investment (broadband/ICT) varies drastically, with

developing economies needing ~$1,231 per capita to achieve universal, affordable,

and high-speed broadband by 2030, while least-developed countries require $365 per

capita.


Emerging markets represent 73% of this required investment, focused on providing

40–50 GB/month, according to the IMF eLibrary.


Digital Infrastructure Investment Needs by Economy Type (Annualized 2023-2030)

Small Island Developing States (SIDS): ~$1,846 per capita.

Developing Economies (General): ~$1,231 per capita.

Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs): ~$665 per capita.

Least Developed Countries (LDCs): ~$365 per capita.


Key Digital Infrastructure Affordability Trends

High-income: Fixed-broadband costs ~1% of GNI per capita, with mobile broadband

between 0.4–0.6%.


Low-income: A 5 GB mobile broadband basket often costs over 10% of monthly

income, far exceeding the 2% target.


Global Progress: The median price for entry-level mobile broadband dropped by

~50% in USD terms between 2013 and 2025.


Other Infrastructure Context

China: Leads in total infrastructure investment, at 4.8% of its GDP in 2025.

U.S. Infrastructure Investment: ~1.6% of GDP.

Europe Infrastructure Investment: ~2.9% of GDP.