CIF - Accelerating Artificial Intelligence Investment in Emerging Markets

INSIGHTS & REPORTS | ACCELERATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INVESTMENT IN E...

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Accelerating Artificial Intelligence Investment in Emerging Markets May 8, 2026 Summary Download Artificial intelligence (Al) capabilities and deployment are advancing rapidly, and offer emerging markets a potential pathway to boost productivity, improve service delivery, and foster long term economic transformation. At the same time, Al diffusion remains uneven across countries, constrained by gaps in infrastructure, data availability, skills, and institutional readiness. This handbook responds to a growing need among investors, policymakers, and ecosystem builders for a framework to assess where to invest and how to scale Al sustainably in emerging markets. The framework centers on two complementary analytical lenses. The Ecosystem Lens maps the actors and innovations driving Al development, from hard and soft infrastructure to foundational models and sector-specific vertical Al applications. The Structural Elements Lens examines broader preconditions for sustainable Al growth, including data availability and energyinfrastructure. The report draws on IFC investment experience and World Bank operational expertise, staying focused on practical decision making and highlighting areas where emerging markets can leapfrog constraints.@ 'WORLD BANKGROUP Accelerating Artificial Intelligence Investment in Emerging Markets HandbookIBRD DA FC MIGA ICSID About IFC Ourlimpact Careers English + f X in @ ©2025IFC User Agreement Privacy Scam Warning General Inquiry.