The World Bank Group says artificial intelligence can help developing countries achieve a century of growth in just 10 years if governments act swiftly and remain committed to closing the gaps that threaten to leave them behind.
The ‘World Development Report 2026: The Promise of Artificial Intelligence,’ released on Tuesday, predicts 16.2% of jobs in developing economies could see output boosted by AI, close to the 18.7% expected in high-income countries.
The report finds that jobs in high-income countries are three times as likely to be at risk of automation by generative AI than those in low- and middle-income countries, where 4.5% of jobs are at risk, compared with 14.2% in high-income countries.
Indermit Gill, World Bank’s Chief Economist, said since developing economies do not need large models or big data centers, adapting low-cost AI tools can ensure better medical care, education, judicial services, and agricultural extension.
The Senior Vice President encouraged the countries to expedite efforts, emphasizing that: “AI is spreading faster and is more context-specific than earlier general-purpose technologies like electricity and the internet.”
The report observes AI is helping people, companies, and governments solve problems, analyze information, improve forecasts, and deliver more services, especially in nations where skilled experts, reliable records, and public capacity are limited.
The enumerated advantages of AI tools include enhancing farmers’ crop decisions, medical diagnosis, businesses’ productivity, as well as governments’ tax collection, social programs, disaster response, healthcare, and education.
With developing economies in their weakest average growth performance in three decades, the World Bank Group believes AI could greatly increase that performance before the end of the 2020s while delivering tangible benefits to people.
But the opportunity is not guaranteed, as most advanced AI systems are being built by a few countries and companies, while many developing economies still lack the power, internet access, data, skills, and institutions needed to use AI effectively.
“Developing countries that build the foundations now—power, connectivity, skills, and institutions—will be positioned to adopt and adapt AI for their people,” said Gaurav Nayyar, Director of the World Development Report 2026.
Highlighting its work with partners on electrification for millions across Africa, the World Bank wants nations to expand access to computing power and boost local data availability, including in local languages, so AI tools can better serve citizens and economies.
“Many AI pilots are already underway, but the bigger challenge is knowing which ones deliver results. Governments should make it easier for new firms to attract investment, test ideas, and scale what works,” the report advises.
Developing countries can accelerate growth with AI – World Bank