Document :

ITU-D SG02  Contribution  47

Title :

Bridging the AI divide: a lightweight path to inclusive AI for developing countries

Date :

2026-04-03

Source :

China Internet Network Information Center (China (People's Republic of))

AI/Question :

Q5/2

Meeting :

2026-04-20

Access :

Restricted to TIES users [ITU-D]

Abstract :

The global digital economy is accelerating its transformation towards AI-driven growth. However, due to significant disparities in computing costs, energy supply, and linguistic data, the AI divide between developing countries and developed economies continues to widen. Traditional AI development models, which demand high infrastructure and capital investment, are ill-suited to the realities of developing nations. Research by the International Monetary Fund (IMF, 2025) indicates that the growth benefits of AI are unevenly distributed, potentially further widening the development gap between nations.
Grounded in the resource realities of developing countries, this proposal advocates for a lightweight, scenario-based, and replicable AI development path to promote more balanced and inclusive AI benefits for people of all nations. The proposal aims to provide practical reference solutions for developing countries, helping them bridge the AI divide and achieve inclusive development.