ADB Unveils $70 Billion Connectivity Plan for Asia

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced a $70 billion regional investment plan on 3 May 2026 for electricity links and digital infrastructure across Asia and the Pacific by 2035. ADB President Masato Kanda made the announcement at the bank’s 59th annual meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

ADB Regional Connectivity Plan

The plan has two major components. The first is the 50 billion Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative. The second is the 20 billion Asia-Pacific Digital Highway. Both programmes cover cross-border infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region.

Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative

The Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative aims to integrate about 20 gigawatts of renewable energy across borders by 2035. It also plans to build 22,000 circuit-kilometres of transmission lines and improve electricity access for 200 million people. The power initiative is projected to generate around 840,000 jobs by 2035. It also targets a 15% reduction in regional power sector emissions by 2035.

Asia-Pacific Digital Highway

The Asia-Pacific Digital Highway plans to provide first-time broadband access to 200 million people by 2035. It also aims to improve service quality for another 450 million people across the region. The digital programme is expected to reduce connectivity costs in remote areas by about 40% and create nearly 4 million jobs. ADB plans to finance about half of the power grid initiative and $15 billion of the digital programme from its own resources.

Important Facts for Exams

• ADB was established in 1966 and has its headquarters in Manila, Philippines.
• Samarkand is a historic city in Uzbekistan and has hosted major international meetings.
• Transmission lines are measured in circuit-kilometres in power sector planning.
• Broadband access refers to high-speed internet connectivity through wired or wireless networks.

AI Skills and Financing Structure

A Center for AI Innovation and Development will be established in Seoul with a $20 million contribution from the Government of the Republic of Korea. The centre aims to train about 3 million people in digital and AI-related skills by 2035. ADB plans to mobilise the remaining funds through co-financing and partnerships, including private sector participation.