Based on: “Artificial intelligence in developing countries: The impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for development” (Mannuru et al., 2025)
Generative AI Beyond Silicon Valley
The conversation around Generative AI (GenAI) is often dominated by Silicon Valley stories—billion-dollar startups and massive language models. However, an important question remains: what happens when these technologies reach developing countries?
Do they reduce inequality, or do they make existing gaps even wider?
A recent study by Mannuru, Shahriar, Teel, and colleagues explores this issue in depth. Their research provides a critical look at how GenAI could shape the future of the Global South.
What Makes Generative AI Different?
First, the authors highlight a key distinction: Generative AI is not the same as traditional chatbots.
While chatbots mainly respond using predefined rules, GenAI can create new content. For example, it can generate text, images, audio, video, and even code.
As a result, this creative ability makes GenAI far more powerful. In developing countries, it can scale knowledge and skills in places where human resources are limited.
The Promise: Key Areas of Impact
1. Education: Personalized Learning at Scale
In many developing regions, classrooms are overcrowded and teachers are stretched thin. Therefore, GenAI can play a major role.
For instance, AI-powered tutoring systems can deliver personalized lessons to each student. In addition, they can automate repetitive tasks for teachers, allowing them to focus more on teaching.
As a result, students—even in remote areas—can gain access to high-quality education.
2. Healthcare: Expanding Access to Care
Healthcare systems in developing countries often lack specialists. However, GenAI can help bridge this gap.
For example, AI can assist in diagnosing diseases, analyzing medical images, and predicting health risks. Moreover, it can support drug discovery, especially for neglected diseases.
Consequently, doctors can make better decisions, and patients can receive more accurate and timely care.
3. Environment and Agriculture: Smarter Solutions
Another critical area is environmental sustainability.
GenAI can help analyze climate patterns, protect biodiversity, and improve farming practices. In particular, it can guide farmers on when to plant, irrigate, or harvest.
Therefore, these tools are especially valuable for countries that are highly vulnerable to climate change.
The Risks: Challenges to Overcome
Despite its promise, GenAI is not a guaranteed solution. In fact, the study warns that without proper support, it could worsen inequality.
Infrastructure Limitations
First, GenAI requires reliable electricity and fast internet. Without this foundation, adoption becomes difficult.
Growing Inequality
Moreover, if only wealthy or urban populations can access these tools, the digital divide will increase.
Ethical Concerns
In addition, there are risks related to bias, data privacy, and misinformation. These issues are even harder to manage in regions with limited regulation.
The Key Takeaway: Intentional Implementation
Ultimately, the authors emphasize that technology alone does not drive progress—how it is implemented matters.
To ensure GenAI benefits everyone, three things are essential:
- Strong infrastructure: Reliable power and internet access
- Capacity building: Training local talent to build and manage AI systems
- Smart policies: Regulations that protect users while supporting innovation
Conclusion
Generative AI has the potential to transform developing countries by helping them leapfrog traditional barriers. However, this will only happen if access is inclusive and well-planned.
In other words, the technology must be supported by the right systems and strategies.
For a deeper understanding, you can explore the full paper in Sage Journals.
