Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to bring positive changes to people all over the world, particularly for developing countries in regions like Latin America, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. It can offer innovative solutions to address specific challenges faced by these nations, such as inadequate infrastructure, youth unemployment, limited access to education and healthcare, and food insecurity.
AI tools are already making a difference by optimizing traffic flow in cities like Rio de Janeiro, empowering businesses in Southeast Asia to expand their services, assisting African farmers in early detection of locust outbreaks, and improving healthcare outcomes for women in developing regions. A recent survey indicates that developing countries exhibit a more optimistic outlook on AI compared to other regions.
Despite the promises AI holds for economic growth and opportunity, realizing these benefits will require collaborative efforts from governments, the private sector, and civil society. To this end, we are unveiling the “AI Sprinters” report, which provides insights on how governments and international organizations can leverage AI to drive economic growth through strategic investments and supportive policies. Additionally, a $15 million commitment from Google.org will be dedicated to enhancing AI skills training and readiness in developing countries, with a focus on underserved communities.
The “AI Sprinters” report outlines four key recommendations:
- Transform infrastructure with the adoption of cloud-first policies: Cloud computing is vital for the effective, secure, and scalable deployment of AI systems by governments, local enterprises, and organizations. Policymakers are urged to prioritize cloud-first initiatives over traditional IT systems to ensure the widespread and inclusive implementation of AI.
- Empower individuals through national AI skill programs: The potential of AI to drive economies forward can only be realized if workers possess the skills to utilize AI effectively. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to enhance AI literacy, bolster STEM education, and expand online learning opportunities.
- Modernize national data systems: Access to high-quality datasets that reflect diverse perspectives, languages, and cultures is crucial for training AI models effectively for local markets. Governments should focus on optimizing data utilization, sharing, and infrastructure to enhance public services and promote responsible data use.
- Advocate for AI-friendly regulations: Sustaining AI innovation necessitates a regulatory framework that supports the responsible deployment of AI technologies. Governments should pursue risk-based regulatory approaches, uphold privacy and copyright regulations, contribute to international AI standards, and formulate national AI strategies.
Implementing these recommendations effectively requires their integration into national development strategies. As financial leaders convene for the annual World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings, governments, international institutions, and development agencies are urged to prioritize AI as a key component of national development plans, including through dedicated funding. While traditional areas like healthcare, education, and agriculture have been the primary focus, AI represents a transformative opportunity to reshape every sector of the economy.
Technological advancements in the past five decades have lifted billions of people out of poverty. Today, AI presents a similar potential for positive impact. By implementing sound public policies and investments, developing countries can harness the power of AI to bridge the digital divide and enhance the lives of millions.
For more detailed insights, delve into our comprehensive AI Sprinters report.
