SDG 9

Build Resilient Infrastructure

Developing quality infrastructure to support economic growth and human well-being

Innovation

Foster Innovation

Enhancing scientific research and upgrading technological capabilities of industrial sectors

Sustainable

Sustainable Development

Upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries to make them sustainable

What is SDG 9?

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

SDG 9 aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. Infrastructure provides the basic physical facilities essential for business and society. Industrialization drives economic growth, creates job opportunities and reduces income poverty. Innovation advances the technological capabilities of industrial sectors and leads to the development of new skills.

Currently, about 2.6 billion people in developing countries face difficulties in accessing electricity full time. 2.5 billion people worldwide lack access to basic sanitation and almost 800 million people lack access to water. For many African countries, particularly the lower-income countries, the existent infrastructure constraints affect firm productivity by around 40 percent.

How It Impacts Lives

Economic Growth

Every 1% increase in infrastructure investment adds 1.2% to GDP. Quality infrastructure creates jobs, with every $1 billion invested in infrastructure generating approximately 20,000 jobs directly and indirectly.

Digital Connectivity

Internet access enables remote work, online education, and telemedicine. A 10% increase in broadband penetration can boost GDP by 1.38% in developing countries, transforming economies.

Innovation Solutions

R&D investments have led to COVID-19 vaccines in record time, renewable energy breakthroughs reducing costs by 85% since 2010, and AI applications improving healthcare diagnostics.

Transportation Access

Rural roads reduce poverty by 7% and increase school enrollment by 18%. Access to all-season roads enables farmers to increase crop prices by 15% through better market access.

SDG 9 Targets & Indicators

TARGET

9.1

Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.

INDICATORS

9.1.1

Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road

9.1.2

Passenger and freight volumes, by mode of transport

TARGET

9.2

Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry's share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries.

INDICATORS

9.2.1

Manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP and per capita

9.2.2

Manufacturing employment as a proportion of total employment

TARGET

9.3

Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, in particular in developing countries, to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets.

INDICATORS

9.3.1

Proportion of small-scale industries in total industry value added

9.3.2

Proportion of small-scale industries with a loan or line of credit

TARGET

9.4

By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.

INDICATORS

9.4.1

CO2 emission per unit of value added

TARGET

9.5

Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people.

INDICATORS

9.5.1

Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP

9.5.2

Researchers (in full-time equivalent) per million inhabitants

TARGET

9.a

Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological and technical support to African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States.

INDICATORS

9.a.1

Total official international support (official development assistance plus other official flows) to infrastructure

TARGET

9.b

Support domestic technology development, research and innovation in developing countries, including by ensuring a conducive policy environment for, inter alia, industrial diversification and value addition to commodities.

INDICATORS

9.b.1

Proportion of medium and high-tech industry value added in total value added

TARGET

9.c

Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020.

INDICATORS

9.c.1

Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology

Global Progress Tracking

Progress Since 2015

Since 2015, notable progress has been made in expanding infrastructure, fostering industrial growth and boosting innovation. However, stark regional disparities persist, and many developing countries continue to face systemic barriers to inclusive and sustainable industrialization. To advance Goal 9, countries must boost investment in resilient infrastructure and research and development, expand access to finance for small manufacturers and bridge the digital divide.

Target 9.1 - Infrastructure Development

From 2015 to 2023, global maritime freight volumes grew from 10.3 to 11.6 billion tons. Developing countries' share increased from 49% to 54%, led by Asian economies.

Target 9.2 - Industrialization

Global manufacturing value added per capita increased by 17.3%, from $1,649 in 2015 to $1,934 in 2024. Manufacturing growth rebounded to 2.7% in 2024 after volatility.

Target 9.3 - Small-Scale Industries

Worldwide, 31% of small manufacturing enterprises have access to loans or credit lines. Sub-Saharan Africa lags at only 18%, highlighting financing gaps.

Target 9.4 - Sustainable Infrastructure

In 2024, global CO2 emissions from fuel combustion reached 37.6 gigatons, a 0.8% increase. Clean energy expansion prevented a potentially threefold larger increase.

Target 9.5 - Research & Development

Global R&D spending grew 5.1% annually from 2015-2022, reaching 1.95% of GDP. Researchers per million inhabitants increased from 1,137 to 1,420. Women represent 31.1% of researchers.

Target 9.b - Technology Support

Medium and high-tech manufacturing reached 44.47% of total value added in 2022. Europe and North America lead at 48.57%, while sub-Saharan Africa remains at 16.40%.

Target 9.c - ICT Access

5G coverage reached 51% globally in 2024 (84% in high-income, 4% in low-income countries). 4G covers 92% worldwide, but 15% in LDCs lack mobile broadband.

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