As the Agency’s experts in digital development, the Technology Division works to address gaps in digital access and adoption and advance the use of technology and geospatial analysis in development and humanitarian assistance, while also managing the risks that digital technology introduces into the lives of the communities we serve.
Countries around the world are in the midst of an historic digital transition. While much of the world has access to a basic mobile phone and Internet speeds continue to increase, the full potential for digital technologies has not yet been realized. The reality in many communities does not yet reflect the potential of a digital ecosystem that drives sustainable and equitable growth. Vulnerable or marginalized groups often find themselves excluded from, or ill-equipped to safely navigate, the digital ecosystem—a situation made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through the USAID Digital Strategy, we promote the responsible use of technology in everything we do. Guided by the Principles for Digital Development, we deliver technical expertise and provide practical tools to USAID staff and our partners to help maximize the benefits of technology while mitigating its risks. We work with governments, the private sector, and civil society to eliminate barriers to digital inclusion, to use data for decision-making, to deliver financial services, to analyze issues with geographic data, and to responsibly leverage emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital identity.
Taking a multi-pronged approach, the Technology Division leverages resources across the Agency through its implementing partners and other actors in four main ways:
1. Catalyzing open, secure, and inclusive digital ecosystems
2. Building USAID capacity
3. Accelerating USAID programming
4. Engaging with the private sector
Learn more about our teams and work:
Highlighted Initiatives
USAID launched the Equitable AI Challenge to help identify and address actual and potential gender biases in AI systems across global development contexts. Meet the five winners!
USAID has partnered with Reliance Foundation to help bridge the gender digital divide in India. The USAID/Reliance Foundation WomenConnect Challenge (WCC) India supports new approaches that close this gap, expand business opportunities for women, and empower women to uplift themselves and their communities.
Through YouthMappers, now a network of over 5,000 university students in 69 countries, the GeoCenter creates new geospatial data in support of USAID programs and empowers youth to address development challenges in their communities.
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Digital Strategy
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