Based on: “Artificial intelligence in developing countries: The impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for development” (Mannuru et al., 2025)
The narrative around Generative AI (GenAI) is often dominated by headlines from Silicon Valley, tales of billion-dollar startups and massive large language models (LLMs). But what happens when these powerful technologies land in developing nations? Do they become the ultimate equalizer, or do they accelerate existing inequalities?
A recent paper by Mannuru, Shahriar, Teel, and colleagues dives deep into this question.
Their research, “Artificial intelligence in developing countries: The impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for development,” offers a critical look at how GenAI is poised to reshape the Global South.
Here is a breakdown of their key findings and what they mean for the future of global development.
Beyond Chatbots: The Power of Creation
The authors make an important distinction early on: Generative AI is not just conversational AI. While traditional chatbots are designed to reply based on pre-set rules, GenAI has the unique capability to create, generating novel text, audio, video, and code.
For developing countries, this “creative” capacity is a game-changer. It means that AI isn’t just a customer service tool; it’s a content production engine that can scale expertise where human resources are scarce.
The Promise: Three Key Sectors
The paper highlights three primary domains where GenAI acts as a catalyst for the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” in developing economies:
- Education: The Personalized Tutor
In regions where teacher-to-student ratios are often overwhelming, GenAI offers a lifeline. The study suggests that intelligent tutoring systems can provide personalized learning experiences that were previously impossible. By automating administrative tasks and offering tailored support, these tools can help bridge the educational gap, allowing students in remote areas to access world-class knowledge.
- Healthcare: Democratizing Diagnostics
Healthcare systems in developing nations often face severe shortages of specialists. The authors point to GenAI’s potential in diagnostic and predictive capabilities.
From analyzing medical imagery to accelerating drug discovery for neglected diseases, AI can act as a force multiplier for local doctors, improving patient outcomes and making precision medicine more accessible.
- Environment & Agriculture: Smarter Resource Management
Perhaps one of the most critical applications is in environmental sustainability. The paper notes AI’s role in climate analysis, biodiversity conservation, and optimizing agricultural practices, vital for nations disproportionately affected by climate change.
The Peril: The Infrastructure Trap
However, the report is not purely optimistic. It issues a stark warning: Potential does not equal implementation.
The benefits of GenAI are not self-executing.
The authors argue that without the necessary support, these technologies could deepen the Digital Divide.
- Infrastructure: You can’t run an LLM without reliable electricity and high-speed internet. Inadequate infrastructure remains a massive barrier.
- Inequality: If access to these productivity-boosting tools is limited to the wealthy or urban elite, the socioeconomic gap will widen, leaving marginalized communities further behind.
- Ethical Risks: The paper also flags concerns regarding algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the spread of misinformation, issues that are harder to police in regions with nascent regulatory frameworks.
The Verdict: Intentionality is Key
The core message of Mannuru et al.’s research is that technology is a determinant of progress, but only if it is inclusive.
For GenAI to be a tool for development rather than division, the authors emphasize the need for:
- Robust Infrastructure: Investment in the “pipes” (data and power) that let AI run.
- Capacity Building: Training local talent to not just use, but build and maintain these systems.
- Tailored Policy: Regulatory frameworks that protect users without stifling innovation.
Conclusion
As we integrate AI into our workflows and businesses, it is crucial to remember that its impact is global. Generative AI holds the promise of leapfrogging traditional development hurdles, but only if we build the ladder for everyone to climb.
For a deeper dive, check out the full paper in Sage Journals.
