JOBS OUTCOMES STORY RESULTS THE CARIBBEAN CONNECTION This engagement expanded high- speed internet coverage across the Building Digital Jobs in the Caribbean from 30% in 2012 to Caribbean Bit by Bit over 75% in 2024, connecting over 70,000 people (as of 2021) and counting. In Saint Lucia alone, con- AT A GLANCE nectivity surpasses 78%, with data costs falling from $3.50 to $2.23 REGION/COUNTRY Latin America and the per month. Caribbean | The Caribbean Region Across these initiatives, over 11,000 PROGRAM/PROJECT Caribbean Regional people pursued IT/ITES certifica- Communications Infrastructure Program (CARCIP) tions, achieving up to a 65% employ- (FY12-FY23); Caribbean Digital Transformation ment rate among those with tech- Project (CARDTP) (FY20-26) nical qualifications. Some graduates FUNDING US$138.7 million (IDA US$ 136.7 million) saw salary increases of around 19%, collectively contributing to nearly 5,000 new ICT jobs. THE CHALLENGE •Smart classroom upgrades and trainings are being rolled out across The Caribbean region faces a growing youth employment challenge, the region—for example, St. Lucia as outdated infrastructure and limited digital skills continue to now has 20 digital classrooms serv- constrain economic opportunities and resilience. For much of the last ing 4,500 students and supported decade, dependence on legacy copper networks led to high pric- by 35 trained teachers, with voca- es, low bandwidth, and widespread coverage gaps. Schools lacked tional streams offering globally- the internet capacity to serve large student populations, and slow recognized digital certificates to speeds eroded the competitiveness of key industries like tourism. learners aged 11–17. Education systems also rarely emphasized digital competencies as a core outcome. At the same time, emerging IT/IT enabled services 250+ businesses received consulting (ITES) sectors struggled with underdeveloped broadband infrastruc- or equipment support, while nine ture and a shortage of job-ready talent, limiting the region’s ability to innovation centers launched 63 attract investment. Women and young people were particularly af- ICT-based solutions—from software fected, with fewer accessible pathways to build digital skills or launch applications to prototype designs— tech-driven enterprises. The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the need driving entrepreneurship. In Nica- for reliable connectivity and market-relevant ICT training to support ragua, public and private partners remote learning, employment, and entrepreneurship - especially in mobilized $45 million toward these marginalized groups. efforts, supplemented by further in- vestments that boosted ICT exports from 11.2% to 21.8% of total exports. Across the region, women constitute up to 54% of new broadband adopt- ers, expanding economic possibilities for underserved groups. Enhanced connectivity, specialized training, and vocational pathways foster a more diverse talent base and greater social inclusion. WBG APPROACH Across the Caribbean, governments recognized that reliable digital infrastructure and relevant ICT skills were crucial to creating jobs and spurring inclusive growth. With support from the World Bank Group through CARCIP, they pursued a joint procurement model for broadband networks, leveraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) to lower costs and guarantee high-quality, reliable service. This investment in resilient infrastructure, especially in the disaster-prone islands, ensures that people have long-term and reliable access to digital services. In tandem, they invested in internationally recognized IT/ITES training and certification programs to equip youth and entrepreneurs with hands-on skills aligned with industry needs. Business incubation support, seed grants, and innovation centers further promoted entrepreneurship and local tech solutions. To develop human capital and ensure that the region’s populations have the digital skills they need to succeed, CARDTP has equipped students and schools with interactive digital tools, provided advanced teacher training, and created digital camps for youth. LESSONS LEARNED 1. By pooling resources and engaging multiple countries, the project achieved better economies of scale, lowering costs and improving service quality. This broader reach—combined with improved infrastructure—can stimulate local businesses and open up new employment avenues. 2. Establishing a robust, regionwide broadband infrastructure creates the foundation on which country-wide digital trans- formation, such as e-government services, digital skills programs, and private sector innovation, can thrive. 3. Programs aligned with local market needs (e.g., IT/ITES, tourism) produced higher job placement rates. Training and pro- viding certifications in line with global standards helped secure jobs for many participants. 4. Creating inclusive digital learning experiences has sparked greater engagement in learning and equipped diverse groups with the essential skills needed for future employment. 5. Bringing governments, telecom operators, training providers, and educational institutions together expanded broadband access and boosted entrepreneurial ecosystems that create jobs—highlighting the value of structured collaboration for rapid and scalable impact. 6. Targeted efforts to reach women and youth—through subsidized training, dedicated incubation, and improved connec- tivity—ensures broader participation in new digital opportunities, closes skill gaps, improves job creation, and drives inclusive economic growth. NEXT STEPS Building on successes to date, the ongoing CARDTP continues to expand teacher training and smart classrooms, accelerate modernization of public services—digitizing government operations, enabling secure payments, and improving citizen-centric platforms—while strengthening legislation for cybersecurity, digital identity, and fintech. These measures aim to reduce the digital divide, promote resilient growth, and empower future generations through meaningful employment in the digital era. After 13 years teaching, not much impresses me, but this tech has me running to the office and the kids are just as excited, always asking if they can do IT. The technology motivates them to learn and collaborate — Ms. Melisa Hippolyte, head ICT instructor at Vide Bouteille, St Lucia