Artificial Intelligence and Economic Transformation in LDCs: Bridging or Widening the Gap of Inequalities

ByH.E. Magdi Ahmed Mofadal Elnour Published on

Speech by: Ambassador H.E. Magdi Ahmed Mofadal Elnour Permanent Representative of Sudan to the UN and International Organizations in Vienna

LDCs in a Glance

Ambassador H.E. Magdi Ahmed Mofadal Elnour Permanent Representative of Sudan to the UN and International Organizations in Vienna
  • 45 countries (33 in Africa, 8 in Asia, 3 in Oceania and 1 in the Americas).
  • Around 900 million (12%) of the world population.
  • Less than 2% of global GDP.
  • Around 1% of the global trade.
  • Low national income (per capita GDP under $900 ,weak human assets and high economic vulnerability.

AI Opportunities for LDCs

  • Boosting productivity and efficiency: (enhancing competitiveness, reducing inflation, increasing incomes).
  • Digitalization of government services: (Improving services delivery, reaching remote areas, combating corruption).
  • Employment opportunities for skilled labor.
  • Expanding access to financial services.
  • Providing critical educational and health care services.
  • Predicting natural disasters and managing emergency responses to minimize impact.

Main challenges to leverage the potential of AI for LDCs 

  • Lack or weak ICT infrastructure and data.
  • Challenges in power supply: unreliable energy sources.
  • Human resources constraints and challenge of brain drain. 
  • Inadequate cyber security capabilities.
  • Weak or non-existent regulatory and ethical guidelines.
  • Unattractive investment climate.
  • Potential of misuse of AI: (risks of hate speech, social disruption).
  • Limited awareness of AI potential.
  • High population growth: (strains on resources for skills development and employment).
  • Limited financial resources

Impact of Global Geopolitical Polarization on the LCDs’ Quest For AI

  • Erosion of multilateralism.
  • Militarization and military alliances.
  • Hindering bilateral and international cooperation.
  • The SDGs. Pushed to back seat
  • Diminished developmental aid to the LDCs
  • Pressure on LDCs to take sides.

The Way Forward for Enhancing AI To Bridge global Inequalities

  • Prioritizing investment in sustainable energy for LDCs
  • Strengthening ICT infrastructure and data
  • Fostering international cooperation (promoting technical support, funding and transfer of technology of AI to LDCs).
  • Recommit to multilateralism and world peace.
  • Implementing comprehensive AI skills development programmes.
  • Encouraging public-private partnerships.
  • Leveraging corporate social responsibility support for establishing or upgrading education and training institutes
  • Assisting the LDCs to adopt and implement laws and regulations to govern the use of AI and to strengthen their capacities in cyber security
  • Implementing programmes to retain talents.
  • Investing in local research capabilities and innovation.
  • Increasing scholarships in AI for talented students.
  • Raising awareness about the huge potential of AI in all fields and its safe use.