World Bank Backs ‘Small AI’ Revolution to Boost Inclusive Growth in Developing Nations

 

Artificial intelligence is transforming the world at a speed never seen before — reshaping how people learn, how businesses operate, and how governments deliver services. For many developing countries, including Ghana, AI represents enormous possibility: higher productivity, new markets, better access to information, stronger public services, and fresh job opportunities in emerging industries.

But this digital transformation can only succeed if the right foundations are in place. And this is where the World Bank’s renewed commitment stands out.

Small AI: The New Opportunity for Countries Like Ghana

The Digital Progress and Trends Report 2025 shows that developing nations face major challenges in deploying advanced AI — from expensive infrastructure and limited data to shortages in technical skills. Yet the report highlights a hopeful shift: the rise of “Small AI” applications.

These are lightweight, low-cost, easy-to-use AI tools that run on ordinary phones and laptops. Small AI is already helping:

• Smallholder farmers predict rainfall and reduce crop losses

• Nurses in rural clinics diagnose common illnesses faster

• Teachers personalise lessons for students using simple apps

• Small businesses track cashflow, customers and inventory

• Parents access educational support for children through mobile learning tools

This quiet revolution is proving that you do not need giant supercomputers to benefit from AI — just practical tools designed for local needs.

Why the World Bank Says the “Four Cs” Matter

To move from scattered success stories to long-term transformation, the World Bank stresses that developing countries must strengthen what it calls the Four Cs. These are the building blocks that make AI effective, inclusive, and sustainable.

Connectivity: Power + Internet = The Foundation

Without stable electricity and reliable internet, AI cannot thrive.
The World Bank notes that many rural communities in Africa still struggle with unstable power and weak broadband access — a major barrier to digital tools.

Improved connectivity means:

• Rural clinics can use AI-supported diagnosis tools

• Farmers can access weather prediction apps

• Students in remote areas can engage in digital learning

• Small businesses can reach customers online

This is why the Bank continues to invest in affordable broadband, energy access, and digital infrastructure so that AI reaches every corner of society, not just cities.

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Compute: The Engines Behind AI

Modern AI requires computing power — from data centres to cloud services to simple AI chips in mobile phones.

Strengthening “compute” means:

• Local businesses can run AI-powered software without high costs

• Government agencies can deploy digital systems more efficiently

• Tech startups can train and test AI locally

• Cloud-based AI solutions become easier and cheaper to adopt

The World Bank notes that shared, regional data centres and cloud partnerships can help reduce the cost burden for individual countries.

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Context: Data That Reflects Local Realities

Every country needs data to build effective AI — data about crops, disease patterns, business activity, education, roads, and hundreds of other indicators.

Without good data:

• AI cannot make accurate predictions

• Public services become unreliable

• Farmers, teachers, doctors and entrepreneurs receive poor guidance

The Bank is helping countries strengthen their data systems, improve data protection, and build trust so people feel safe sharing information. This ensures that AI tools reflect local contexts and solve real problems — not imported ones.

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Competency: Skills for the Digital Era

This is perhaps the most important pillar.

Developing countries need millions of people — not just engineers — who understand how to use AI safely and effectively. Competency means:

• Training teachers, farmers, nurses, civil servants and entrepreneurs

• Creating digital skills programs in schools

• Expanding university-level AI training

• Supporting local tech innovators and startups

The World Bank emphasises that without local skills, countries will always depend on foreign expertise, losing control over their digital future.

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A Future Where AI Works for Ghana

The World Bank’s commitment goes beyond funding. It is helping countries design policies that:

• Encourage fair competition in digital markets

• Prevent monopolies in the tech ecosystem

• Protect people’s rights and privacy

• Ensure AI benefits are distributed fairly

• Support local innovation ecosystems rather than importing solutions

For Ghana, this means a future where:

• Cocoa farmers use AI tools to improve yields

• SMEs automate daily operations and expand into new markets

• Public hospitals reduce waiting times and improve diagnoses

• Students in deprived areas receive personalised learning

• Startups build homegrown AI solutions for African challenges

As the report concludes, AI will not automatically create inclusive development but with the right foundations, the right skills, and the right policies, developing countries can turn it into one of the most powerful engines for economic transformation in decades.