AI and inequality between the Global North and SouthCEFR A1
7 Nov 2025
Adapted from Abdallah Abdallah, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by The New York Public Library, Unsplash
- AI promises major economic change worldwide.
- Benefits are not equal between countries.
- Africa is part of the Global South.
- Some countries adapt technology to local needs.
- Other countries become dependent on outside tech.
- The World Economic Forum says AI could help the economy by 2030.
- Only 2 percent of data centers are in Africa.
- At COSAA 2025 people showed strong skepticism about AI gains.
- Some IPv4 addresses from AFRINIC went to Asian companies.
Difficult words
- benefit — A good thing that helps someone.benefits
- resource — Something useful for people or activities.resources
- technology — Tools or machines that help people.technologies
- challenge — A difficult problem to solve.challenges
- share — To give a part of something to someone.
- region — An area or part of a place.regions
- view — An opinion or attitude about something.views
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What do you think about sharing AI benefits?
- Why do you think there are different views on AI?
- How can we help African countries with new technologies?
Related articles
China funds Africa’s green energy but raises debt concerns
China has financed hydropower, transmission and solar projects that brought electricity to many African communities. A 2012–2020 study found these projects reduced energy poverty, but experts warn about opaque, resource-backed loans and rising debt risks.
Traffic and Pollution in Asian Cities
Traffic congestion in many Asian cities raises pollution, lowers living standards and costs economies money. Cities such as Delhi, Bangkok and Metro Manila are expanding metros, switching to electric vehicles and using pricing and technology to reduce traffic.
Brothers build magnetic system to remove arsenic
Arsenic in Indian groundwater causes serious health problems. Two brothers from Bihar developed METAL, a chemical-free magnetic way to clean water and built the MARU unit; their startup Navmarg has treated over 300,000 litres and plans sensors and AI.
China’s growing role and the backlash in Kyrgyzstan
China is now Kyrgyzstan’s main creditor, largest investor and biggest trading partner, and ties were upgraded in 2023. Growing Chinese influence has caused protests, violence and environmental complaints, and China has responded with security aid and training projects.