UN-backed initiative surpasses $100 billion in connectivity pledges

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The International Telecommunication Union said its Partner2Connect Digital Coalition has drawn $121 billion in pledges since its 2021 launch, exceeding an initial $100 billion target. More than 1,000 pledges came from 149 countries and a range of governments, companies, international organisations and development banks, with projects now underway in over 190 countries. New commitments include the Asian Development Bank's plan to mobilise $20 billion for an Asia-Pacific Digital Highway by 2035 and Microsoft’s pledge to connect more than 450 community hubs in Kenya. The ITU cautioned that universal meaningful connectivity by 2030 could still need up to $2.8 trillion.

The coalition has raised $121 billion in pledges since 2021.