Democratizing Digital: The journey to a more inclusive society

Last week, I was invited to the Women Economic Forum (WEF) in Cartagena for its first edition in Latin America. The experience was beyond gratifying and a great opportunity to discuss how democratizing technology and promoting inclusion are key to ensure everyone have access to  equal opportunity, and be able to participate in the digital economy.

Today, technology is everywhere. Businesses are not only impacted by technology, but becoming digital businesses. As these transformations are happening, how can we make sure everyone can benefit from it? Two efforts that are top of mind are democratizing connectivity for all and equipping everyone with modern skills. These will ensure that we prepare our future workforce, while we guarantee that everyone in our society has access to content, tools, services, and products, no matter where they live or who they are. 

Democratizing connectivity for all

Increasing connectivity is imperative to advance efforts to democratize digital and be able to close gaps to create a more inclusive society. In Colombia, for example, nearly 20 million people still lack internet access, according to the Financial Inclusion Report by Banca de Oportunidades and the Superintendencia Financiera de Colombia (SFC), limiting their ability to access and use services provided through digital channels. To help on that front, Microsoft is investing $3 million dollars on its Airband Project in Colombia to bring connectivity through TV White Spaces to rural and distant communities. Along with connectivity, we have brought telemedicine, education and precision agriculture programs to small coffee growers in Mesetas (Meta). As a result, these rural communities have greatly improved their well-being while connecting coffee growers to international markets so they can be more competitive, and participate and benefit from today’s digital economy.

In a small city in Peru, MiBanco, the world’s second largest microlender, created a credit application process for local merchants and markets who’ve never had a credit card and no credit history to apply for a loan to start a small business. Using Microsoft based technology, they can apply for the loan through an app with the assistance of a field service representative. Once approved, an officer visits them regularly to offer personalized coaching. A great example on how to bring technology to dispersed populations, while connecting them with services they need to thrive and be included in the digital economy.

Powerful examples such as these are important to highlight as we recognize how imperative the collaboration between private and public organizations is to promote an inclusive society, providing equal opportunities to all.

For women in particular, it weighs a lot when breaking the poverty circle, and it means empowerment and autonomy for them. According to the World Bank, Latin America has the highest rate of women’s early-stage entrepreneurial activity. The same study also attributes a solid 30% of the reduction in extreme poverty in the region between 2000 to 2010 to women; boosting the economy overall and benefiting society.

Technology can be used in many ways, but its power can be limitless when used to make a positive impact in people’s lives. As technology is everywhere, we are working to help all people become better at what they do every day and to give them access to equal opportunities. Genuinely dreaming about empowering the 7 billion people around the world.

Equipping everyone with modern skills.

Closing gaps in access to digital skills education should also be a critical priority for companies and governments alike, so everyone in our region can have the skills to succeed in the 21st century. Through cash grants, tech, and resources, we are partnering to increase the number of young people with access to technology skills, in and out of school. In 2019, for example, we donated more than $30 million dollars in Latin America, benefiting 2,000 nonprofit organizations in the region.

Our CEO, Satya Nadella said it best: “The pathway to new technologies requires a parallel investment in skills development – making sure people have the required skills to participate in an increasingly digital society.”

In Colombia, the National Government, through several studies carried out (MinTIC, EAFIT, INFOSIS, etc.) has identified a gap between 50,000 and 90,000 IT professionals nationwide. To close it, the National Government and several industry organizations have reached a consensus to work together. They have developed several initiatives to train Colombians in tech, with focus on AI; foster the training and certification of current workers of all sectors in digital subjects; and skill the current workforce and future generations.

Another great example of the importance of skilling and reskilling is our partnership with IICA, Instituto Interamericano de Cooperacion Agricola, in Costa Rica. With them, we’re offering training solutions in cloud platforms, in addition to fostering the development and application of technological tools in the agricultural sector. With IoT, Data, and AI tools, as well as innovation and communication technologies for development projects, farmers are learning to use Microsoft’s platform to address their needs. This enables farmers to be more digitally aware, while developing the skills they need to be on top of changes in the industry.

We are living an unprecedent time in our history, and technology is here to amplify our human capabilities and make the democratization of opportunities possible for us all, with fairness, transparency and respect to humanity.