- The World Bank stated that developing economies have more to gain and less to lose from AI compared to richer nations.
- Indermit Gill, the World Bank's chief economist, described AI as a 'lifeline' for developing economies, urging them to seize the opportunity.
- The World Bank emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) could enable developing countries to achieve a century's worth of development in a decade if they address key gaps.
- The World Bank reported that AI can help countries facing shortages of highly skilled workers by enabling less experienced workers to perform more advanced cognitive tasks.
- The report found that 4.5% of jobs in low- and middle-income countries are exposed to AI-driven automation, compared to 14.2% in rich countries.
- The World Development Report 2026 highlights that developing countries could condense 100 years of development into 10 years by addressing gaps in energy, internet connectivity, and skills.
The World Bank's report emphasizes that developing countries can leverage AI to overcome skill shortages and enhance productivity, potentially condensing a century's worth of development into a decade.134
Indermit Gill, the World Bank's chief economist, stated, “AI has thrown developing economies a lifeline, and they should seize it.”2
The report highlights that only 4.5% of jobs in low- and middle-income countries are at risk from AI, compared to 14.2% in wealthier nations.5
It also notes that 16.2% of jobs in developing economies could see productivity gains, similar to 18.7% in high-income countries.
However, the report warns of potential pitfalls, including increased income inequality and the risk of dependency on developed nations.
Gaurav Nayyar, director of the World Bank Group's 2026 World Development Report, stressed the need for developing countries to invest in infrastructure and skills to fully harness AI's potential.
“AI really can complement the capabilities of people and provide them with expertise that they may not have ready access to,” Nayyar said.
The report advocates a three-stage approach: adopt, adapt, and advance, urging countries to tailor AI solutions to local contexts.
“Today’s developing economies missed the first Industrial Revolution... They cannot afford to miss this one,” Gill concluded.
“The report, billed as a 'first comprehensive assessment,' says AI could compress a century's worth of development into a decade; low- and middle-income countries face 4.5% job exposure versus 14.2% in rich ones. The same report warns AI could bring 'greater income inequality, stealthier misinformation, and political repression.'”
WSJ
