A Call to Turn Artificial Intelligence into a Development Asset for Least Developed Countries

By Deodat Maharaj on the policy brief "Turning Artificial Intelligence into a Development Asset in Least Developed Countries"

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the global economy, yet Least Developed Countries (LDCs) risk being left behind at a critical moment. With 1.2 billion people but only a marginal share of global economic output, LDCs cannot afford to be passive participants in the AI revolution. The question is no longer whether AI will shape development trajectories, but whether LDCs will be equipped to harness it for their people as a driver for inclusive and sustainable growth.

This policy brief, Turning Artificial Intelligence into a Development Asset in Least Developed Countries, underscores the urgency of moving beyond fragmented approaches. Persistent gaps in governance, infrastructure, and skills continue to constrain AI adoption and investment across LDCs. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated and simultaneous action—strengthening enabling frameworks, expanding digital infrastructure, and developing adoption-oriented human capital.

At the same time, the brief highlights a clear pathway forward. Proven AI applications in critical sectors such as health, agriculture, and public administration already demonstrate tangible development impact. By facilitating the transfer and adaptation of these solutions, LDCs can achieve faster returns while laying the foundations for long-term AI readiness.

Turning AI into a development asset for LDCs is both a strategic necessity and a collective responsibility. With timely investment, targeted technology transfer, and strong partnerships, AI can become a powerful tool to reduce inequalities, strengthen institutions, and accelerate sustainable development. The UN Technology Bank is committed to leveraging the potential of AI for the benefit of our client countries across the 44 LDCs.

Access the policy brief here. 

For further information, please contact: federica.falomi@un.org

About the UN Technology Bank  

The UN Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries is dedicated to enhancing the contribution of science, technology and innovation for sustainable development in the world’s 44 least developed countries. The least developed countries are low-income countries confronting severe structural impediments to sustainable development. They are highly vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks and have low levels of human assets.  

The UN Technology Bank supports national and regional technological efforts in the least developed countries, reinforcing partnerships across sectors and helping nations identify and use appropriate technologies to transform their economies and improve livelihoods.
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