IsDB stakeholders explore AI to advance regional digital economies

Senior stakeholders and experts convened in Baku, Azerbaijan, to discuss how artificial intelligence and shared digital infrastructure can accelerate inclusive growth and digital readiness across Islamic Development Bank Member Countries. The meeting, titled ‘Harnessing AI for Advancing Regional Digital Economies,’ focused on leveraging these technologies to strengthen digital public infrastructure and address gaps in compute capacity.

Anasse Aissami, Director-General of Country Programmes at IsDB, emphasized the bank's strategic approach to AI. He described it not as an isolated technology initiative, but as a "shared capability framework." This framework aims to guide member countries from fragmented pilot projects toward "scalable and trusted digital platforms" deployable across various sectors and borders.

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the Bank’s approach to artificial intelligence is not as an isolated technology agenda, but as a shared capability framework designed to help MCs transition from fragmented pilots toward scalable and trusted digital platforms that can be deployed across sectors and borders.

Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Samaddin Asadov, highlighted his country's efforts to become a regional digital hub. He detailed initiatives to expand innovation ecosystems, fortify digital infrastructure, and support technology-driven economic activities. Asadov noted that AI can significantly boost these priorities by enhancing productivity, fostering new digital markets, improving business competitiveness, and increasing the efficiency of public services.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) can serve as a catalyst across these priorities by increasing productivity, enabling new digital markets, improving the competitiveness of enterprises, and enhancing the efficiency of public service delivery.