The global digital economy is projected to reach $28 trillion in 2026, accounting for 22 percent of global GDP, according to the Digital Economy Trends 2026 report released by the Saudi-led Digital Cooperation Organization in Riyadh. The report forecasts growth of 9.5 percent next year, three times faster than the overall global economy.
Launched at the Development Finance Conference “MOMENTUM,” the report draws on insights from more than 400 policymakers, economists, and technology leaders across 26 countries. It identifies 18 key trends shaping the future of the digital economy across governments, industries, and societies.
DCO Secretary-General Deemah al-Yahya said the rapid expansion of the digital economy underscores the need for inclusive, secure, and resilient digital foundations. She emphasized that the true measure of progress will be whether the benefits of digital growth are shared equitably across societies.
Cybersecurity emerged as the top digital economy trend for 2026, driven by increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, widening digital skills gaps, and emerging risks linked to generative AI and future quantum computing. The report also highlighted ambient intelligence as a major driver of socio-economic impact as digital technologies become more embedded in daily life.
Looking ahead, the convergence of frontier technologies such as AI, robotics, spatial computing, and biotechnology is expected to be the most transformative force over the next three to five years. While these technologies promise significant economic value, they also raise challenges related to workforce transition, digital governance, and infrastructure security.
The report estimates nearly $4.91 trillion in economic value from AI-driven workforce transformation, up to $4.14 trillion from immersive hybrid technologies, and around $3.13 trillion from strengthened cybersecurity and resilient digital infrastructure. It also notes that preparedness to respond to these trends varies widely, with the private sector currently seen as the most ready.
Developed alongside the DCO’s Digital Economy Navigator, the report aims to provide policymakers with data-driven insights into the direction of global digital economies and their readiness to harness emerging technologies for sustainable growth.
