AI for Global Development

AI could meaningfully improve development outcomes like literacy, infant mortality, and economic wellbeing across low- and middle-income countries. But that result isn't automatic—it depends on choices made now by policymakers, tech companies, nonprofits, and funders. The AI Initiative works to shape those choices, so AI's promise reaches the people in most need.

Our focus

AI use varies sharply by income—both across and within countries—threatening to widen inequality rather than close it. Applications that genuinely help the poor are emerging, but only if they’re affordable and practical to adopt. The AI Initiative investigates the barriers, proposes ways to lower them, and partners with others to ensure AI reaches those who need it most.

Recent work:

  1. (How) Do the Poorest Use AI?
  2. A Roadmap for AI That Speaks the World's Languages

AI, and generative AI in particular, is leading a wave of development applications. The risk: duplicated effort, deadend investments, and tools that don't deliver. The AI Initiative works to identify where AI offers the highest returns for funders deciding what to back, what builders may choose to make, and how policymakers can set priorities.

Recent work:

  1. Gen AI Eval Playbook

Some AI applications will deliver important incremental gains. A few others will reshape economies and societies in ways no incremental policy can address. These shifts demand new frameworks, partnerships, and ideas. The AI Initiative helps governments and institutions anticipate and navigate the disruptions ahead.

Recent work:

  1. Reimagining AI for Good

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