Doha, Qatar – The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) has unveiled the Digital Economy Navigator 2025 (DEN 2025) at the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) in Doha, providing the most comprehensive assessment to date of global digital economy maturity across 80 countries representing 94% of global GDP.
DEN 2025 builds on its 2024 edition with a deeper analysis of how nations are strengthening digital infrastructure, governance, innovation, and inclusion. Drawing from 145 indicators and a survey of over 41,000 respondents, the report offers actionable insights for policymakers and businesses to accelerate equitable digital transformation.
DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya said the report highlights both achievements and challenges, urging collective action to move from “measuring to accelerating” digital transformation. She emphasized that the rewards of collaboration are “limitless,” while inaction leads to exclusion. The DCO envisions every nation as not only a participant but a creator and innovator in the digital economy.
The report reveals that digitalization is driving progress across all income levels, with internet access now reaching over 80% of people globally. Lower-middle-income countries show the fastest improvements, and connecting underserved communities could empower 1.3 billion more people through access to digital banking and online services.
The new “Digital for Sustainability” pillar spotlights how emerging economies can leapfrog traditional systems by adopting renewable and efficient technologies. AI continues to advance rapidly but unevenly, underscoring the need for inclusive innovation and skill-building — particularly for women, as only 3.1% of female graduates globally enter ICT fields.
Chief of Digital Economy Intelligence Alaa Abdulaal noted that DEN 2025 reflects a major methodological advancement, supported by an expert panel from leading universities and international organizations. The DCO encourages governments, private sector leaders, and researchers to leverage the navigator for evidence-based decisions, partnerships, and inclusive digital growth.
Founded in 2020, the DCO brings together 16 member states representing $3.5 trillion in GDP and over 800 million people, with the mission to accelerate an inclusive and sustainable global digital economy.
