AI and inequality between the Global North and SouthCEFR A2
7 Nov 2025
Adapted from Abdallah Abdallah, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by The New York Public Library, Unsplash
Artificial intelligence promises major economic change, but the benefits are not shared equally. History matters: some countries learn to adapt technology to local needs, while others become dependent on the origin of the technology. Acemoglu and Robinson make similar points in Why Nations Fail (2012).
Economic forecasts and infrastructure show the gap. The World Economic Forum estimates AI could add USD 15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. Africa produces much data but only 2 percent of data centers are on the continent. At COSAA 2025 people expressed strong skepticism, and data workers and gig drivers face large inequalities compared with the Global North.
There are concrete concerns about control. AFRINIC addresses were acquired by Cloud Innovation, a company founded by Lu Heng and registered in the Seychelles, and many addresses are leased to companies in China, the Philippines, and Hong Kong. In January 2025 the Biden administration issued an Interim Final Rule that limits advanced chip distribution and puts countries into tiers. Over 90 percent of Tier 1 countries have unrestricted access, while many Global South countries are in Tier 2 with limited access. Current US President Donald Trump plans to scrap this system and negotiate directly, which may not make access more equal.
Difficult words
- potential — possibly able to happen or exist
- improve — make something better than before
- resources — supplies or materials for use
- opportunities — chances for success or advancement
- fairness — the quality of being just or equal
- economic — related to money and business
- strategy — a plan to achieve something
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think there is a difference in AI benefits between regions?
- What can countries in the Global South do to improve their AI opportunities?
- How might inclusion in AI affect economies globally?
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