Artificial Intelligence (AI), hailed as a revolutionary force capable of transforming global economies, is also emerging as a double-edged sword for developing nations. Experts, speaking to the Inter Press Service, caution that while AI is expected to inject trillions of dollars into the global economy by 2030, the benefits are likely to be heavily skewed in favor of powerful economies such as those in North America and China.
For countries across the Global South, the rise of AI could further deepen economic divides. Analysts point out that AI-driven technologies, especially those designed to replace labor, may have a far more damaging impact on developing economies where jobs are plentiful but capital is limited. “When labor is abundant and cheap, and high-tech infrastructure is scarce, the transition to AI risks exacerbating unemployment and economic exclusion,” one expert warned.
There is growing concern that without urgent interventions, many poorer nations may lag behind in deploying capital-intensive AI technologies, primarily due to limited digital infrastructure, financial constraints, and a lack of trained professionals in the tech sector.
However, experts also recognize potential pathways for positive impact. AI, if implemented thoughtfully, could empower local communities by offering region-specific solutions. For example, AI systems tailored to local agricultural conditions can help farmers make better decisions using weather forecasting, drought prediction, and market price analytics powered by geospatial data.
Ultimately, the global AI revolution presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Global South. Without deliberate international cooperation and strategic national planning, AI could reinforce existing inequalities. But with inclusive policies and context-sensitive innovation, it could become a tool for sustainable development and poverty alleviation.