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Asian Development Bank launches digital strategy focused on AI and inclusion
ADB launched a 2026-2030 digital strategy on June 19, 2026 to use AI in Asia-Pacific while protecting vulnerable groups. It will fund cybersecurity and data governance projects.

The Asian Development Bank launched a five-year digital transformation strategy on June 19, 2026, to help countries across Asia and the Pacific use AI and digital technologies while protecting vulnerable groups from risks. The strategy, running from 2026 to 2030, will mobilize financing and expertise as AI reshapes the region's economies, creating new demands for IT and development professionals in areas like cybersecurity, data governance, and digital infrastructure.
What the strategy covers
The ADB plan prioritizes broadening digital connectivity, strengthening digital skills, and improving cybersecurity and privacy protections. It also targets better data governance and the responsible use of AI. The bank said it will support the development of digital infrastructure and secure, interoperable systems, ensuring that underserved communities can benefit from these technologies.
Regional collaboration and financing
ADB will convene governments, private-sector actors, and development partners to mobilize financing and share expertise. The goal is to accelerate digital technology initiatives across Asia and the Pacific, combining investment with policy guidance.
Growth and risk in digital economies
The strategy reflects the growing role of digital transformation as a driver of economic development and public-sector modernization. Countries with stronger digital infrastructure, skills, and governance frameworks are better positioned to benefit from AI and data-driven services. At the same time, broadening access to these technologies raises challenges around cybersecurity, privacy, digital inequality, and responsible AI governance. The ADB's approach combines infrastructure investment with support for skills and governance, treating digital transformation as both a development priority and a policy challenge.
Why this matters for IT and development professionals
For IT and development teams, the ADB's emphasis on cybersecurity, data governance, and responsible AI aligns with the skills needed to build and maintain the systems this strategy will fund. The bank's plan to support governments in digital transformation also connects to the training needs covered in AI for Government. As regional projects roll out, demand for professionals who understand both the technical and governance aspects of AI will increase. The strategy's focus areas mirror the curriculum in AI for IT & Development, offering a direct link between policy direction and career development.