Developing Countries Lag Behind in AI Adoption, SaysF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that developing countries, including Nigeria, are ill-prepared for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. In a recent report, the IMF noted that these countries lack the necessary digital infrastructure to support AI deployment.The report, which assessed 174 economies, found that most developing countries were significantly behind in AI readiness. Nigeria, despite its recent efforts to launch an AI strategy and a Multilingual Large Language Model, was also found to be lagging behind.The IMF warned that the gap in AI readiness between developed and developing countries could exacerbate existing global inequalities. However, the report also noted that policymakers can take steps to prevent this by implementing measures to address the gap.In Nigeria, efforts are underway to develop a National AI Strategy, with the National Information Technology Development Agency and the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics leading the charge. The Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy has also organized a workshop with AI experts to develop a comprehensive AI policy for the country.The IMF’s report serves as a wake-up call for developing countries to prioritize AI adoption and development. With the right policies and investments in digital infrastructure, these countries can bridge the gap and reap the benefits of AI technology.