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Digital Divide in Ukraine: Half Embrace Online Services, But a Fifth Lack Skills

Цифрові технології в Україні: половина населення активно користується онлайн-послугами, але кожен пятий відчуває нестачу вмінь. Photo: Мінцифра

Rising Use of Digital Services in Ukraine

New data reveals a significant shift in Ukraine, with half of the population now opting for online services over traditional offline methods. This trend is exemplified by the growing adoption of the Diia platform. However, a persistent digital skills gap remains a major barrier; in 2024, 44% of Ukrainians did not use online services due to a lack of proficiency, a figure that is projected to remain at 22% even in 2025. This highlights a critical challenge in the nation's otherwise rapid digital transformation.

The effectiveness of these digital tools is underscored by high user satisfaction, with 85% of online service users reporting contentment with their quality. The Diia portal and app have been central to this shift, used by 48% of Ukrainians to access services in 2023. Daily internet usage is widespread at 81% of the population, with the highest activity seen among those under 30 years old.

Digital Literacy and Educational Initiatives

While the overall digital literacy rate in Ukraine has doubled, a substantial portion of the population still lacks the necessary skills to navigate online services. This gap underscores the urgent need for continued development and expansion of educational programs focused on digital technology.

The growing reliance on digital services in Ukraine mirrors a global trend of digitalization, fundamentally altering how citizens interact with government and commercial entities. Given the significant number of people still lacking sufficient skills, it is crucial to persist with educational initiatives. These efforts are vital for raising the level of digital literacy and ensuring equitable access to new technologies for all citizens.