# World Bank backs small AI for developing countries

> The World Bank is pushing compact AI models that work on weak phones and in local languages to speed growth in emerging economies.
- Title: World Bank backs small AI for developing countries | Shortify
- Summary: The World Bank is pushing compact AI models that work on weak phones and in local languages to speed growth in emerging economies. The World Bank is…
- Keywords: world bank, artificial intelligence, developing countries, small ai, economic growth, paschal donohoe, kristalina georgieva, imf, agricultural technology, digital infrastructure, technology, startups
- Source: The Next Web — https://thenextweb.com/news/world-bank-small-ai-developing-countries
- Author: Alina Maria Stan
- Published: 2026-10-18T11:48:29+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: world bank, artificial intelligence, developing countries, small ai, economic growth, paschal donohoe, kristalina georgieva, imf, agricultural technology, digital infrastructure, technology, startups
## World Bank backs small AI
The World Bank Group wants developing countries to build small AI, compact models that run on mobile phones with weak signals and work in local languages.
## AI could speed growth in decades
Paschal Donohoe, the World Bank's chief knowledge officer, said AI could accelerate economic development. Growth that might have taken centuries could now happen within decades.

> The potential is there for that economic development now to happen within decades.
## Infrastructure and jobs at stake
IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said governments must first provide power and digital infrastructure. She warned that forty percent of jobs worldwide are likely to be changed or wiped out by AI.
## Key takeaway

The World Bank is promoting small AI models designed for developing countries to run on phones with weak signals and in local languages, potentially accelerating economic growth.