The World Bank has called on governments in low- and middle-income countries to rapidly embrace artificial intelligence (AI), warning that delays in strengthening digital infrastructure, skills and institutions could widen the global development gap.
In its World Development Report 2026: The Promise of Artificial Intelligence, the World Bank describes AI as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for developing economies to accelerate growth and improve public services. The report suggests that AI could enable countries to achieve in a decade what might otherwise take a century.
According to the report, only 4.5 percent of jobs in developing countries are at high risk of automation by generative AI, compared with 14.2 percent in high-income economies. Meanwhile, AI has the potential to significantly improve productivity in 16.2 percent of jobs in low- and middle-income countries, nearly matching the 18.7 percent projected for advanced economies.
The World Bank emphasized that AI’s greatest value lies in enhancing human productivity rather than replacing workers. It highlighted successful applications already underway, including AI-powered diabetes screening in Bangladesh and advanced weather forecasting systems for farmers in India.
The report recommends that developing countries first adopt existing AI technologies, adapt them to local needs and gradually build the capacity for more advanced AI development. It also stresses the importance of investing in reliable electricity, digital connectivity, computing infrastructure, skilled human resources and strong institutions.
While AI presents enormous opportunities, the World Bank cautioned that poor governance could increase inequality, concentrate market power and undermine public trust. It urged governments to promote responsible AI use through international cooperation, voluntary industry standards and policies that ensure AI benefits are shared broadly across society.
