As Covid-19 ravages the developing world, digital tech can play a crucial role
- Much more attention is required to ensure that people in the developing and least developed world are equipped with the digital skills needed to tackle the pandemic and find innovative solutions to grow the economy
When we rang in 2021 only a few months ago, there was rising optimism that the worst of the Covid-19 outbreak was over, and that the world could start preparing for the post-pandemic economic recovery as life returns to a semblance of normalcy.
Earlier this year, the consultancy McKinsey predicted that the end of the pandemic is in sight for some parts of the world, especially developed countries where vaccines are becoming more easily available. Since then, the outbreak has worsened dramatically as developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America report rises in Covid-19 cases and deaths.
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For many developing and least developed countries, the resulting delay in returning to normalcy will have serious knock-on effects on businesses, mental health and education, and elevates the need to push forward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to bring about a more inclusive and equal world. An effective way to do this, as evidenced by events of the past year, is through the innovative application of digital technology.