Page 30 - Connecting the Future How Connectivity and AI Unlock New Potential

Connecting the Future: How Connectivity and AI Unlock New Potential

Bridging the digital divide is essential for widespread economic growth. Expanding access to
connectivity, skills and AI tools has the potential to empower millions, foster entrepreneurship,
and support sustainable development. As AI continues to evolve, its trustworthy and secure imple-
mentation in developing regions will play a critical role in shaping a fairer, more prosperous global
economy.
Category Details
Expanding Cisco’s rural broadband projects have connected millions in under-
Connectivity served areas globally. In Kenya, mesh networks deployed by Cisco
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have provided high-speed Internet access to over three million people
in remote regions. These efforts enable farmers to use precision agricul-
ture tools while facilitating telemedicine services for rural clinics.
Workforce Train- Cisco’s Networking Academy has trained over 20 million students world-
ing Programs wide in networking, cybersecurity and AI certifications. In developing
countries alone, half a million students gained certifications in 2024, with
graduates earning wages 35% higher than their peers. By focusing on
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STEM education and digital literacy programs tailored to local contexts,
Cisco ensures that communities can actively participate in, and benefit
from, the AI-driven economy.

Digital Transfor- As a founding partner of the ITU’s Digital Transformation Centres Initia-
mation Centres tive, Cisco is working to strengthen digital skills and entrepreneurship in
(DTC) Initiative underserved communities worldwide. Through this collaboration, over
300,000 learners across 4 regions have received training in foundational
and advanced ICT skills, including cybersecurity, data analytics, and
AI literacy. Cisco’s support ensures that local institutions – especially in
Africa, Latin America, and Asia, are equipped to deliver demand-driven
training, bridging the gap between connectivity and meaningful digital
participation. 96

3�2 Recommendations

Government

State and local governments play a key role in establishing the right enabling conditions for connec-
tivity development by designing a regulatory environment that supports private sector innovation
and investment. To minimize unnecessary delays to digital development, policymakers should
streamline licensing and permitting rules for new projects to accelerate connectivity expansion.
Such efforts should focus on modernizing existing equipment, removing unsupported devices
that could pose security risks, improving infrastructure access policies, encouraging proposals to
utilize existing towers, piping and utility ducts for basic construction. Regulatory bodies should also
simplify spectrum access frameworks, offering expanded usage for wireless middle- and last-mile
connectivity providers while ensuring this usage offers clear public benefit. As a complement to
exclusive licensing, offering specific frequency bands for public use through ‘unlicensed spectrum’
policies can accelerate connectivity development with minimal interference to critical infrastructure.
Finally, duty-free treatment of ICT products lowers prices and increases choice, reducing barriers
to entry for local ISPs and new users.

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