With the expansion of internet access and the use of digital platforms, millions of Brazilians have found opportunities for training, entrepreneurship, and entry into the digital market. According to the TIC Domicílios 2024 survey, 84% of the population is connected, and 74% use the internet for professional or educational activities, demonstrating how connectivity is establishing itself as a bridge to economic and social development.
However, this progress is not limited to income generation. It represents a concrete opportunity to address historical inequalities by expanding access to resources that were previously restricted to a portion of the population. To fully realize this potential, investments must be made in digital infrastructure, professional training, and technologies that ensure the active participation of everyone in the connected economy.
How does digital inclusion create income opportunities?
The internet has opened doors that once seemed unreachable. Working from anywhere, earning extra income as a freelancer, or even turning a hobby into a business has become a reality for many. Those needing flexibility or facing challenges in the traditional job market find the digital space more democratic. Online entrepreneurship has also become simpler and cheaper, as all it takes is a phone and a good idea to get started. Social networks like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram have become monetization platforms, while e-commerce continues to grow and create new horizons.
But having internet access is not enough—you need to know how to use it to your advantage. Digital learning platforms offer practical courses that help develop skills valued in the market, making it easier to change careers or seek additional income. Moreover, strategies like affiliate marketing and referral programs allow anyone to earn money by connecting consumers to products and services. With more knowledge and tools at their fingertips, the path to financial independence becomes increasingly accessible.
And edtechs play a crucial role in this transformation. Beyond providing training, many partner with companies to connect professionals to real opportunities. Projects aimed at underserved communities ensure access to devices and connectivity, enabling more people to participate in the digital economy. Ultimately, digital inclusion is not just about technology—it’s about giving everyone equal opportunities to grow, innovate, and achieve a better life.
Challenges and paths
There are still barriers along the way. Without adequate infrastructure, millions of people remain without quality internet access, limiting work, learning, and growth. Data from the TIC Domicílios 2024 survey reveal that 29 million Brazilians still lack internet access, highlighting digital inclusion challenges in the country. And even among regular users, only 22% have “meaningful connectivity,” which considers factors like frequency of use, connection quality, access to suitable devices, and digital skills.
In other words, a lack of skills also prevents many from leveraging what technology has to offer. At the same time, the rise in online transactions brings new risks, such as financial scams, making digital security a priority. Without effective public policies, digital inequalities tend to worsen.
On the other hand, technological advancements continue to pave new roads. Artificial intelligence already enables individuals and businesses to focus on more strategic tasks, while digital enterprises structure themselves around data and automation. Online education breaks geographic barriers and expands access to knowledge, and new monetization methods, such as the creative economy and NFTs, are opening income-generating opportunities.
E-commerce is yet another thriving sector, democratizing digital entrepreneurship. Models like dropshipping and affiliate marketing make it easier for entrepreneurs to enter the market. Freelancing is growing, connecting professionals worldwide to opportunities.
When connectivity, training, and security go hand in hand, the digital space ceases to be a privilege and becomes a force for transformation. The future of the economy depends on active participation in this environment, and true financial empowerment comes when technology serves equity.
