Global digital economy expected to hit $28trn in 2026, grow 9.5 percent — Report

THE global digital economy is set for another year of rapid expansion, with fresh projections showing it will grow by 9.5 percent in 2026—more than three times faster than expected global economic growth. The estimate, released by the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) in its Digital Economy Trends (DET) 2026 report, places the value of the worldwide digital economy at an estimated USD 28 trillion, representing 22% of global GDP.

The report was unveiled last week at MOMENTUM, the DCO’s Development Finance Conference, offering one of the most comprehensive outlooks on how technological, economic, and societal shifts will redefine global innovation in the coming year.

Drawing insights from over 400 policymakers, economists, and technology leaders across 26 countries, the DET 2026 report identifies 18 major trends set to shape the next era of digital transformation, from frontier technologies to cybersecurity, AI governance, and cross-border data flows.

DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya described the moment as pivotal, stressing that the coming wave of AI-driven change must be inclusive to avoid deepening global inequalities.

“The digital economy is reshaping our world with unprecedented speed, and the true test of this new era will be whether its benefits reach everyone,” AlYahya said. “The future will be defined not by the speed of innovation, but by how inclusively it is built. This report is a call to strengthen the foundations that make AI accessible, safe, and empowering for all—before the gap becomes irreversible.”

According to the report, the two trends expected to deliver the strongest socio-economic impact in 2026 are: Strengthening End-to-End Cybersecurity

Cyber-resilience climbs to the top of global priorities as cyberattacks become more sophisticated. Respondents warn of widening capability gaps among nations and institutions, compounded by new threats emerging from generative AI and the future arrival of quantum computing,the Dawn of Ambient Intelligence

A new layer of “invisible intelligence”—powered by sensors, ubiquitous connectivity and edge AI—is blending seamlessly into daily life, from homes and factories to cities and transport systems.

While offering richer experiences and new productivity gains, this shift underscores the urgent need for responsible deployment and strong oversight.

Looking further ahead, the DCO identifies Converging Frontier Technologies—from AI and robotics to spatial computing and biotechnology—as the most transformative force over the next 3–5 years, with far-reaching implications for workforce transitions, governance frameworks, and global innovation systems.

The DET 2026 report outlines several high-value opportunities emerging as digital technologies scale globally:

$4.14 trillion from immersive hybrid technologies such as digital twins, VR/XR, and spatial computing;USD 4.91 trillion from AI-accelerated workforce transformation;

$3.63 trillion from the holistic transformation of digital trade;USD 3.13 trillion from stronger end-to-end cybersecurity and resilient digital infrastructure.

Despite the enormous economic potential, preparedness levels vary widely. The private sector emerges as the most ready to harness upcoming trends, with 94% of respondents affirming its capacity. By contrast, 70% believe governments are prepared, while only 43% feel that societies and individuals can keep pace.

The report complements the DCO’s Digital Economy Navigator (DEN)—a tool used to measure countries’ digital maturity. Together, the DET and DEN offer policymakers, industry leaders, and development partners a dual lens: showing where global digital economies are heading and how ready nations are to seize the opportunities.

As digital systems become more deeply embedded in economies and societies, the DCO frames 2026 as a defining year—one in which global cooperation, governance, and investment decisions will determine whether the digital economy becomes a bridge to shared prosperity, or a driver of greater inequality.