With the expansion of internet access and the use of digital platforms, millions of Brazilians have found opportunities for training, entrepreneurship and insertion in the digital market. According to the 2024 ICT households survey, 84% of the population is connected and 74% use the network for professional or educational activities, which shows how connectivity has been consolidating itself as a bridge to economic and social development.
This advance, however, is not limited to income generation. It represents a concrete chance to face historical inequalities, expanding access to resources that were previously restricted to a portion of citizens. For this potential to be fully realized, it is necessary to invest in digital infrastructure, professional training and technologies that involve the active participation of everyone in the connected economy.
How does digital inclusion create income opportunities?
The internet opened doors that once seemed inaccessible. Working from anywhere, making extra earnings as a freelancer or even turning a hobby into your own business has become a reality for many people. Those who need flexibility or face difficulties in the traditional market find a more democratic space in digital. Entrepreneurship online has also become simpler and cheaper, since a cell phone is enough and a good idea to start with. Social networks like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram have become monetization platforms, while e-commerce continues to grow and create new horizons.
But it is not enough to have access to the internet, you need to know how to use it to your advantage. Digital teaching platforms offer practical courses that help to develop valued skills in the market, making it easier to change careers or seek an extra source of revenue. In addition, strategies such as affiliate marketing and referral programs allow anyone to earn money by connecting consumers to products and services. With more knowledge and tools at hand, the path to financial independence becomes increasingly accessible.
And edtechs play an essential role in this transformation. In addition to providing training, many create partnerships with companies to bring professionals from real perspectives closer. Projects aimed at underprivileged communities guarantee access to devices and connectivity, allowing more people to participate in the digital economy. In the end, digital inclusion is not just about technology — it’s about giving equal chances so that everyone can grow, undertake and achieve a better life.
Challenges and Paths
There are still barriers on the way. Without adequate infrastructure, millions of people continue without quality internet access, which limits work, learning and growth. Data from the 2024 ICT surveys reveal that 29 million Brazilians still do not have access to the internet, which reinforces the challenges of digital inclusion in the country. And even among those who use the network regularly, only 22% have a “significant connectivity”, which considers factors such as frequency of use, connection quality, access to appropriate devices and digital skills.
In other words, the lack of training also prevents many from taking advantage of what technology has to offer. At the same time, the increase in virtual transactions brings new risks, such as financial scams, making digital security a priority. Without effective public policies, digital inequalities tend to deepen.
On the other hand, technological advances continue to pave the way for us to travel. Artificial intelligence already enables people and companies to focus on more strategic tasks, while digital businesses are structured based on data and automation. Online education breaks geographical barriers and expands access to knowledge, and new forms of monetization, such as the creative economy and NFTS, are opening paths for income generation.
Electronic commerce is another one that consolidates itself, democratizing digital entrepreneurship. Models such as dropshipping and affiliate marketing make it easier for entrepreneurs to enter the market. Freelance work grows, connecting professionals to opportunities anywhere in the world.
When connectivity, training and security go hand in hand, digital is no longer a privilege and becomes a vector of transformation. The future of the economy involves the active participation of everyone in this environment, and true financial empowerment is born when technology is put at the service of equity.
