Commentary: Artificial intelligence is a historic opportunity for developing countries

While Western nations grapple with fears of job displacement and the potential for AI to act autonomously, a World Bank report highlights a more optimistic outlook for developing countries. The institution's World Development Report suggests that poorer regions stand to gain more from AI and fear less from it than wealthier nations.

According to the World Bank's chief economist, Indermit Gill, developing countries have a chance to achieve in a decade what previously took a century. He suggests that concerns about AI's existential threat can be left to the rich world, while the focus for developing nations should be on leveraging this technological revolution to improve millions of lives.

This optimism is rooted in the differing economic structures. In developing economies, which are often driven by agriculture and small businesses, fewer jobs are at risk of automation compared to high-income countries. The World Bank estimates that less than 10% of jobs in these regions are threatened by AI, a stark contrast to over a third in wealthier nations. This means AI is more likely to assist workers rather than displace them.

Furthermore, AI offers significant advantages in crucial sectors like agriculture, medicine, and education. For instance, AI-powered weather forecasts can lead to substantial savings for smallholder farmers. The technology also holds promise for enhancing healthcare access and improving educational outcomes, areas where developing countries often face significant challenges.