Business Reporter
Cassava Technologies and NVIDIA have been named knowledge partners in the World Bank Group’s new AI Infrastructure and Readiness Initiative, an effort to help developing countries harness artificial intelligence (AI) under a broader strategy to expand digital access and create jobs.
The initiative, announced alongside the Group’s first digital strategy, will help governments in emerging markets access affordable computing capacity and put AI to practical use, with an initial focus on Africa and Latin America.
It centres on shared, pay-as-you-go GPU infrastructure — the specialised computing power used to develop and run AI applications — offering countries a practical alternative to building standalone national data centres.
Cassava Technologies and NVIDIA are among the initiative’s knowledge partners, supporting an approach intended to make AI infrastructure more accessible and enable applications suited to local needs.
The initiative complements the World Bank Group’s emphasis on “small AI”: tools adapted to specific tasks, such as helping farmers identify crop diseases, supporting health workers and enabling businesses to manage inventory.
It forms part of a wider push to turn digital access into higher productivity, better public services and more opportunities to earn a living.
“Digital technology can help countries create jobs and make scarce resources go further. Realising that potential requires a comprehensive approach — from reliable connectivity and affordable devices to digital skills and useful services,” said World Bank Group President Ajay Banga.
“Our first digital strategy brings these pieces together, helping countries build the foundations to benefit from today’s digital tools and the promise of small AI — AI for the people,” he said.
The strategy comes as developing countries confront a widening employment challenge. Over the next 10 to 15 years, about 1.2 billion young people will reach working age in these countries, while their economies are projected to generate approximately 420 million jobs.
The World Bank Group sees digital technology as a means of supporting employment across its five priority sectors: infrastructure and energy, agribusiness, health care, tourism and value-added manufacturing.
Digital tools can help businesses reach new customers, improve productivity and access finance, while lowering the cost of delivering public services.
However, significant barriers continue to limit participation in the digital economy. More than two billion people remained offline globally in 2025. Internet use stood at just 23 per cent in low-income countries, compared with 94 per cent in high-income countries.
Even where network coverage exists, many people cannot afford smartphones or data, lack digital skills, or have limited access to services relevant to their needs.
The new strategy addresses these challenges through four priorities: expanding reliable connectivity, making devices and data more affordable, strengthening digital services and skills, and building readiness for AI.
On connectivity, the Group will support infrastructure sharing, competition and investment in underserved markets. Where electricity and connectivity are both lacking, it will encourage countries to plan their development together.
Partnerships with device manufacturers, mobile operators, financial institutions and refurbishment businesses will support efforts to reduce smartphone costs and expand responsible payment options.
The strategy also prioritises digital identification, payments and secure information-sharing systems, alongside digital literacy and training linked to employment.
Privacy, cybersecurity and fraud protection will underpin all four priorities.
By combining financing, policy advice, private investment and guarantees, the World Bank Group aims to help governments and their partners build the foundations for broader digital participation, with the AI Infrastructure and Readiness Initiative providing a practical route to accessing computing resources.
