World Bank Urges Developing Countries to Build Small AI Models for Phones

The World Bank is urging developing countries to build small AI models. These models can run on phones in areas with weak internet, helping them make full use of AI.

Paschal Donohoe, the World Bank's Chief Knowledge Officer, said AI can speed up growth in emerging economies, but only if it fits local needs. He believes some countries may reach in decades what once took hundreds of years.

He cited AgriConnect, a World Bank farming program joined by Indian farmers. They can run small AI on their phones to study soil and grow crops faster. The World Bank will work with governments and private companies to bring such tools to life.