From landlocked to digitally connected: WSIS Forum 2026 explores pathways for LLDCs

Connectivity as a development imperative

Digital connectivity must become a central pillar of development strategies for landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), speakers at a high-level dialogue at WSIS Forum 2026 on the Awaza Programme of Action 2024–2034 agreed, arguing that digital transformation can help overcome many of the structural disadvantages associated with geography.

Moderated by Amanda Khozi Mukwashi, UN Resident Coordinator in Angola, the discussion brought together government ministers, international organisations, development banks, and private sector representatives to examine how connectivity can accelerate sustainable development in the 32 LLDCs, home to more than 620 million people. Mukwashi noted that while distance from seaports has historically translated into higher trade costs and infrastructure deficits, the digital era offers an opportunity to ‘redefine what it means to be landlocked.’

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, argued that connectivity should be viewed as a moral imperative rather than simply a technical challenge.

‘Digital transformation is not about replacing human judgement with algorithms,’ he said. ‘It is about amplifying human capacity through data, speed, and reach.’

He outlined three pillars for successful digital transformation: resilient digital infrastructure, digital skills and capacity development, and trusted governance frameworks covering cybersecurity, privacy, and inclusive digital services. ‘Connectivity is not a luxury, it is a utility,’ Zavazava stressed, adding that digital transformation must leave no one behind “not by accident, but by design.”

Closing the digital divide

A video message from Rabab Fatima, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, highlighted the scale of the challenge. Only 39% of people in LLDCs used the internet in 2024, compared with the global average of 68%, leaving around 359 million people offline.

Fatima described digital exclusion as a ‘new dimension of landlockedness’, arguing that inadequate connectivity increasingly limits access to economic opportunities, public services, and innovation. She called for stronger regulatory frameworks, increased blended finance, and the proposed Infrastructure Investment Financing Facility (IIFF) under the Awaza Programme to mobilise investment in broadband, digital public infrastructure, data centres, and digital skills.

Representing the group of LLDCs, Mirzo Khurshed of Tajikistan emphasised that digital connectivity affects far more than technology.

‘Connectivity is not only about technology, it is also about trade, jobs, education, health, and economic growth,’ he said. While digital technologies cannot change geography, they can reduce many of its disadvantages by improving access to services and enabling participation in regional and global digital markets.

Regional cooperation and financing

Several ministers highlighted the practical barriers faced by landlocked countries.

Zimbabwe’s Minister of ICT, Tatenda Anastacia Mavetera, identified financing as the primary obstacle to implementing national AI and digital transformation strategies. She called for greater regional cooperation, including shared computing infrastructure and collective investment in digital resources.

Botswana’s Minister David Tshere noted that all of the country’s internet bandwidth must transit through neighbouring states, resulting in costs almost four times higher than those faced by coastal countries. He argued that governments must continue investing in ICT infrastructure while strengthening partnerships with the private sector.

Namibia’s Minister Emma Inamutila Theofelus positioned her country as a potential regional digital hub, highlighting its submarine cable landings, port infrastructure, and bilateral cooperation with Botswana, including passport-free travel and the elimination of roaming charges. She invited neighbouring countries to invest in data centres and digital infrastructure, presenting Namibia as ‘a regional digital corridor’ for Southern Africa.

Regional cooperation was also a priority for Paraguay. Ambassador Raúl Cano Ricciardi explained that Paraguay depends entirely on fibre connections through neighbouring countries to access international submarine cables, making cross-border infrastructure and diversified connectivity routes essential for resilience and affordability.

Public-private partnerships

Development partners and industry representatives argued that achieving universal connectivity will require much greater private investment, supported by public financing and regulatory reforms.

EU Ambassador Deike Potzel outlined how the Global Gateway initiative is supporting satellite connectivity, cross-border fibre infrastructure, and investment guarantees designed to reduce project risks and attract private capital. She stressed the importance of regional cooperation, combining physical infrastructure with regulatory reforms and building pipelines of bankable digital projects.

The World Bank’s Sangbu Kim announced the creation of a new Digital Access Fund, combining concessional finance and public-private partnership mechanisms to encourage investment in underserved markets. He argued that infrastructure investments must be accompanied by policies that stimulate demand for digital services in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and education.

Private sector speakers echoed these priorities. Ahmed Riad Ismail, Vice President of Global Standardisation at Huawei, said the company’s rural connectivity initiatives had connected more than 170 million people across 80 countries, exceeding its original Partner2Connect commitment. He stressed that governments, operators, technology providers, and international organisations all have complementary roles in expanding connectivity.

Representing MTN, Lele Modise argued that digital infrastructure should now be viewed as essential economic infrastructure, alongside roads, ports, and power networks. She warned that the greatest barrier is not a lack of opportunity but insufficient risk-adjusted capital to move projects from concept to implementation. Predictable regulatory frameworks, transparent licensing, and investment de-risking would be critical to attracting long-term private investment, she said.

Turning ambition into implementation

Throughout the dialogue, speakers repeatedly returned to a common message that the Awaza Programme provides a shared roadmap, but success will depend on implementation rather than commitments alone.

Closing the session, Zavazava reaffirmed that connectivity is ‘not only a technical goal, but a catalyst for economic transformation, regional integration, and sustainable development.’ Delivering on that vision, he said, will require political leadership, innovative financing, strong partnerships, and coordinated action across governments, international organisations, civil society, and the private sector.

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