Digital Transformation, the Rural–Urban Divide, and Inclusive Development In the Global South: Challenges and Prospects

The rapid emergence of digital technologies has created unprecedented opportunities for inclusive development, offering new access to education, economic participation, and healthcare. For many countries in the Global South, digitalisation is increasingly seen as a catalyst for transitioning from resource-based economies to knowledge-driven economies. In this context, digital transformation is viewed as not merely a technological shift but a strategic tool for achieving sustainable growth. Yet, one of the most pressing challenges confronting countries in the Global South is the persistent rural–urban divide. This divide encompasses socio-cultural, socio-economic, and socio-political disparities between rural and urban areas, manifesting in unequal access to resources, opportunities, and quality of life. While digital technologies hold the promise of bridging these inequalities, gaps in digital infrastructure and connectivity often exacerbate the problem, leaving rural communities further behind. As a result, the vision of inclusive development remains beyond reach for many countries in the Global South. This session invites papers that critically interrogate these challenges and explore innovative solutions. We welcome contributions that address questions such as:

• How do Internet and mobile networks shape access to resources and opportunities for rural and urban populations?

• In what ways do policy frameworks enable or constrain digital governance?

• How can digital transformation mitigate the rural–urban divide?

• How do cultural practices and local epistemologies influence digital adoption in rural and urban contexts?

• What frameworks and models of inclusive development can digital transformation offer for equitable growth?

• What lessons can be drawn from case studies in Africa, Asia, and Latin America?