The advent of new technology brings both hope for greater prosperity and fear of being left behind. Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO, is haunted by India’s exclusion from the benefits of the Industrial Revolution, given the historical challenges faced by Indian manufacturers.
While some technologies, like online education courses, have generated more hype than actual economic growth in emerging economies, there is concern that generative artificial intelligence (AI) might follow suit. However, AI holds significant potential to positively impact the global south by boosting productivity and narrowing human capital gaps.
AI’s potential in developing countries is vast. It can serve as a versatile tool for consumers and workers, streamlining information access and interpretation. Although some job displacement may occur, new opportunities will arise. Due to fewer white-collar workers in emerging economies, disruptions may be less severe compared to developed nations.
One of the transformative benefits of AI in developing countries could be in improving public services. Historically, these nations have faced challenges due to a lack of educated and healthy workers, resulting in underperforming education and healthcare systems. AI applications, such as language models assisting illiterate farmers in India or chatbots aiding Kenyan students with homework, offer promising solutions.
The spread of AI could occur faster than previous technological waves, thanks to widespread smartphone usage across the emerging world. Furthermore, AI can be tailored to local needs, allowing for diverse approaches to thrive. This adaptability is crucial for addressing specific challenges faced by different countries.
Some nations are already leveraging AI effectively. China and India, in particular, possess the technological expertise and innovation ecosystems to drive AI adoption. Meanwhile, Gulf countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are investing heavily in AI to diversify their economies away from oil dependence.
Each country will shape AI adoption according to its unique priorities and challenges. Chinese chatbots avoid political discussions, Indian developers focus on language barriers, and the Gulf is developing Arabic language models. While the global south may not surpass the technological dominance of the West, it stands to benefit significantly from these advancements.
Educating on AI
Many potential challenges still loom ahead, without a doubt. The technology is in a constant state of evolution, and there’s a risk that computing power may become prohibitively expensive. Additionally, the collection and storage of local data are essential but may pose logistical challenges. Moreover, there may be a lack of capacity among some practitioners to fully utilize the vast knowledge available, or they may lack the motivation to explore new avenues. While countries in sub-Saharan Africa stand to benefit greatly from advancements in human capital and government services, progress may be hindered by inadequate connectivity, governance, and regulation.
However, the encouraging news is that investments aimed at accelerating the adoption of AI will yield significant rewards. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the AI revolution, it’s indisputable that the technology holds immense potential across various domains and will continue to improve over time. While emerging countries have faced setbacks in the past, they now have a remarkable opportunity—and the capability to seize it