ICT Adoption in Developing Economies: Barriers and Opportunities

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has emerged as a vital enabler of economic development, education, and innovation in the modern world. However, in many developing economies, the adoption of ICT remains limited and uneven. This paper investigates the key barriers and potential opportunities surrounding ICT adoption in low- and middle-income countries. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines case study analysis, literature review, and primary survey data, the study identifies major impediments such as inadequate infrastructure, high costs of access, digital illiteracy, and unsupportive regulatory frameworks. At the same time, the research highlights emerging opportunities including widespread mobile phone use, the rise of e-governance platforms, growth in digital entrepreneurship, and the impact of youth-led innovation hubs. The findings suggest that while structural challenges persist, targeted policy interventions and collaborative public-private initiatives can significantly enhance ICT accessibility and utility. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on digital inclusion by offering practical insights for policymakers, development practitioners, and technology providers aiming to accelerate ICT adoption in developing contexts.