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
