ADB Asia Connectivity Plan received a major boost after the Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced a $70 billion regional investment programme for electricity and digital infrastructure across Asia and the Pacific. The announcement was made on 3 May 2026 by Masato Kanda during ADB’s 59th annual meeting in Samarkand.

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The large-scale investment plan aims to improve regional connectivity, renewable energy sharing, and internet access by 2035.

ADB Asia Connectivity Plan Focuses on Power and Digital Links

The new regional plan has two key projects. The first is the Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative worth $50 billion. The second is the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway valued at $20 billion.

Both programmes will support cross-border infrastructure development in countries across Asia and the Pacific region.

Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative

Under the power grid initiative, ADB plans to integrate around 20 gigawatts of renewable energy across borders by 2035. The project will also build nearly 22,000 circuit-kilometres of transmission lines.

The initiative is expected to improve electricity access for around 200 million people in the region. It may also create nearly 840,000 jobs by 2035.

ADB believes the project can help reduce regional power sector emissions by about 15%, supporting cleaner energy development across Asia.

Asia-Pacific Digital Highway

The digital infrastructure programme aims to bring first-time broadband access to around 200 million people by 2035. Another 450 million people are expected to receive better internet service quality.

The programme also targets a 40% reduction in connectivity costs in remote and rural areas. Around 4 million jobs could be created through digital expansion and related services.

ADB plans to provide financing support for nearly half of the power grid project and around $15 billion for the digital highway programme.

AI Innovation and Skill Development

ADB also announced the creation of a new Centre for AI Innovation and Development in Seoul with support from the Government of the Republic of Korea.

The centre will receive an initial contribution of $20 million and aims to train nearly 3 million people in digital and AI-related skills by 2035.

ADB plans to raise the remaining investment through co-financing, partnerships, and private sector participation.

About Asian Development Bank

Asian Development Bank was established in 1966 and is headquartered in Manila. The bank supports economic growth, regional cooperation, and infrastructure development across Asia and the Pacific.