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Last April, the (CID) hosted its inaugural “AI in International Development” student seminar, bringing together a diverse group of about 30 students over four weeks to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape of poverty alleviation, healthcare, education, and crisis response. The seminar not only focused on the technical capabilities of AI but also delved into the real-world challenges of implementing these technologies in regions where infrastructure, trust, and institutional frameworks are often fragile. This seminar served as a powerful reminder that while AI holds immense promise, its impact will ultimately depend on how thoughtfully it’s integrated within the unique contexts of emerging economies.

The seminar began with a simple question: What does AI mean for international development? The response could be both optimistic and pessimistic at the same time; AI offers tools that can help us predict famine, optimize vaccine delivery, personalize education, and respond to crises faster than ever before. However, it also raises critical questions about who gets to shape these technologies, who benefits from them, and who might be left behind.

A crucial element of the seminar discussions was acknowledging that the world does not commence from the same point. Wealthy nations, often influenced by an engineering perspective, view technology as a series of incremental improvements. They concentrate on developing superior algorithms, quicker processors, and more efficient systems. Conversely, many emerging economies perceive technology as a means to restructure their social and economic order, an opportunity to leapfrog decades of underdevelopment and ultimately secure a place at the global table.

Bridging the Divide – the Kigali Declaration

This divide was front and center at the recent Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali, where African leaders and AI experts signed a landmark declaration to position the continent as a global leader in ethical, trustworthy, and inclusive AI. The Kigali Declaration is more than a statement of intent; it’s a roadmap for building African-controlled open datasets, interoperable models, and sovereign AI infrastructure. The declaration also proposes a to support research, startup incubation, and capacity building.

But the road to realizing this vision is not without obstacles. One of the most significant challenges is the high cost of energy and computing infrastructure required to run AI systems. Training a single large language model can cost millions of dollars, a price tag that is simply out of reach for most emerging economies. Even when the infrastructure exists, the lack of skilled professionals who can work with these technologies remains a major bottleneck. Digital skills are not just about having access to computers and the internet; they’re about having people who can design, implement, and maintain AI solutions.

Another critical issue is the weakness of institutional frameworks. Many emerging economies lack the regulatory bodies, research institutions, and policy ecosystems needed to support AI innovation. This makes it difficult to attract and retain talent, as skilled professionals often seek opportunities abroad, a phenomenon known as “brain drain.” The result is a vicious cycle: without strong institutions, it’s hard to build local capacity; without local capacity, it’s hard to build strong institutions.

Trust is another major concern. When lower income countries rely on technology platforms and expertise from rich countries, they often find themselves at the mercy of foreign agendas. This can lead to a lack of trust in both the technology and the institutions that promote it. If we don’t own our data and our algorithms, how can we trust the solutions that are built on them?”

Building Trust Through Data Ownership and Sovereignty

The (WEF) has been vocal about the need to bridge the AI divide. They see technology both in terms of competition and development, but also as a tool for digital public infrastructure (DPI). The WEF warns that without deliberate strategy and investment, the gap between developed and developing regions will only widen. They advocate for three key steps: investing in basic AI infrastructure, promoting local education, and building a sustainable talent pipeline.

The WEF’s message is clear: technology alone is not enough. To truly harness the power of AI, emerging economies need to build their ecosystems that are inclusive, resilient, and rooted in local needs. This means investing in education, fostering partnerships with the private sector, and creating policies that encourage innovation while protecting citizens’ rights.

Real-World Applications of AI

A great example of AI in action is the , which sends real-time weather updates and farming advice straight to the mobile phones of over a million farmers. Using satellite images and environmental data, the platform helps farmers figure out the best times to plant and harvest, alerts them to possible pest outbreaks or crop diseases, and gives practical tips on watering and fertilizing. Even in places without internet, farmers can still get these updates via simple text messages, making the service easy to access and widely used.

In India, programs like are showing similar success. In Khammam district, for instance, AI-powered tools paired with soil testing and digital support helped chilli farmers boost their yields by 21% and double their profits. These tools analyze huge amounts of data to offer clear, personalized advice, which farmers receive through platforms they already use.

What makes these innovations even more powerful is their long-term impact. Local agronomists and data experts are being trained to run and adapt these systems, creating jobs and building local expertise. Beyond just increasing crop production, these tools are helping farmers better handle climate risks, reduce costs, and secure their incomes. And in the bigger picture, they’re also strengthening food security and building a new generation of tech-savvy agricultural leaders.

A Call to Action: Building Equitable AI Systems

As we look to the future, the Kigali Declaration and the work of organizations like the WEF remind us that the stakes are high. AI has the potential to transform international development, but only if we approach it with humility, collaboration, and a commitment to equity.