World Bank says ‘small AI’ could transform developing countries
The World Bank is urging developing countries to build “small AI” tools designed for local needs, arguing they could help accelerate economic development. These specialised models can run on mobile phones with limited connectivity and work in local languages, bringing useful information to people who may not have access to experts.
World Bank chief knowledge officer Paschal Donohoe pointed to Indian farmers who need soil analysis in their own language as one potential use. IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva said AI adoption also depends on reliable electricity, digital infrastructure and safeguards, while warning that 40% of jobs worldwide could be changed or eliminated by AI. The World Bank has mobilised $120bn in private capital over the past year, as rural infrastructure gaps remain a barrier to adoption.
- The World Bank wants developing countries to build locally tailored small AI.
- Phone based tools could help farmers access advice in their own language.
- The IMF warns AI may change or eliminate 40% of jobs worldwide.
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Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that can perform tasks such as answering questions or analysing information. Large AI systems often need powerful computers and reliable internet access, while smaller, specialised tools can be designed to run on phones and handle particular tasks in local languages.
The World Bank works with countries on economic development, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) focuses on financial stability and economic growth. Their leaders, Paschal Donohoe and Kristalina Georgieva, have highlighted both the potential uses of AI and the need for electricity, digital networks and safeguards.
For countries with limited infrastructure, local AI tools could make practical information more accessible, for example to farmers seeking advice about soil. Their wider use could also affect employment, as some tasks may change or disappear, making access to technology and preparation for those changes important.
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The case for
Small, locally designed AI tools could extend practical expertise to people underserved by conventional services, especially where connectivity is weak and global models do not handle local languages or needs well. If paired with investment in electricity, digital infrastructure and safeguards, they may support farmers and other workers while helping developing countries shape AI around their own priorities.
The case against
Promoting AI as a development tool risks diverting attention and scarce resources from basic infrastructure and services that make adoption possible, including reliable electricity and connectivity. Even useful systems may bring errors, uneven access and disruption to jobs; without effective safeguards and broad access to the gains, they could deepen existing inequalities rather than accelerate inclusive development.
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