In the heart of bustling Kigali, Rwanda, a woman in a rural village picks up her phone. A few taps on the screen connect her to a world of medical advice she never had before. What was once a distant dream of accessible healthcare has become a reality through an AI-powered chatbot, thanks to a collaboration between the Rwandan government, Babylon Health, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This isn't just about technology; it's about hope. For her, and millions like her, AI is transforming lives.
This is just one story in a larger narrative of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing public services in developing countries. Despite its transformative potential, AI adoption is not without hurdles. Countries across the Global South face challenges in infrastructure, skills, data, and funding. Many struggle with limited internet access and lack the computing power to fuel AI solutions. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), only 53% of the population in these regions used the internet in 2022, compared to 80% in wealthier nations. This digital divide is not just a technical problem; it's a barrier to innovation, leaving millions unable to tap into the power of AI.
Yet, amidst these challenges, international partnerships are lighting the way. These collaborations between governments, global organizations, and tech companies are helping bridge the AI adoption gap. By pooling resources, expertise, and shared ethical considerations, these alliances ensure AI's benefits reach every corner of the world.
Take Tanzania, for example. The country's farmers have long battled crop diseases like cassava mosaic disease, threatening food security and livelihoods. Through a partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and Google, an AI-powered app was born. This app enables farmers to diagnose crop diseases simply by taking pictures with their smartphones, allowing early intervention and saving precious crops. For these farmers, AI isn't just about technology; it's about survival.
And in the Philippines, a country regularly ravaged by natural disasters, AI is helping governments respond faster and smarter. Through a partnership with the Asian Development Bank and private AI companies, AI tools analyze satellite images and social media data to assess damage and allocate resources efficiently. In times of crisis, AI becomes a lifeline, enabling quicker disaster relief and protecting the most vulnerable communities.
The power of AI extends beyond immediate needs; it also builds for the future. India's "FutureSkills Prime" program, launched by NASSCOM with support from Google, is equipping millions with AI and digital skills. This initiative is more than education; it's empowerment. It's preparing a new generation to shape the future of technology, innovation, and economic growth.
These stories are not isolated successes. They are part of a broader movement where international cooperation is accelerating technological advancement in developing nations. In Africa, the Smart Africa Alliance is bringing together countries across the continent, aiming to harness AI for digital transformation. UNESCO's AI for Sustainable Development initiative is another example, providing expertise and fostering international cooperation to integrate AI into strategies that support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
These partnerships are not one-sided. Developed countries and global organizations gain by opening new technological markets and fostering innovation through diverse perspectives. In return, developing nations leap forward in technological capacity, improving public services and stimulating economic growth. The mutual benefits ripple across borders, creating a global ecosystem where AI can thrive.
Importantly, these collaborations contribute directly to the SDGs. By promoting economic growth and job creation, they align with SDG 1: No Poverty. AI-driven solutions in healthcare, like those in Rwanda, advance SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, ensuring more people have access to life-saving medical services. Programs like India's "FutureSkills Prime" support SDG 4: Quality Education, providing the tools for lifelong learning and digital empowerment.
These partnerships also promote SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by upskilling the workforce and fostering innovation. Investments in AI infrastructure contribute to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, while efforts to reduce the digital divide help achieve SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. And as AI plays a crucial role in disaster preparedness, these initiatives also align with SDG 13: Climate Action.
At the heart of it all is SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. These collaborations between governments, international organizations, and private entities are vital to global progress. By uniting diverse players, they strengthen the means of implementation and breathe life into the global effort toward sustainable development.
In the grand scheme, these international partnerships are more than just a means to advance AI technology. They represent a shared vision of a world where AI's transformative power is accessible to all, bridging gaps, reducing inequalities, and paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future. As developing nations embrace AI with the support of global allies, they move closer to achieving efficiency, transparency, and well-being for their citizens, all while contributing to a sustainable and equitable world for everyone.
*Irwan Hermawan.He is a Certified Public Relations (CPR) and multifaceted marketing communications professional who excels at the intersection of public service, industry innovation, and strategic marketing communications with over 15 years of experience in the field.