s the UN General Assembly convenes for its 80th session, world leaders face ongoing global conflicts, a need to reevaluate multilateralism, and accelerating institutional reforms—all during a moment when AI is reshaping every dimension of human life. Currently, the economic rewards of AI are heavily concentrated in a handful of powerful tech companies and countries in the Global North, leaving much of the Global South behind. Central to many discussions during the session will be the role that AI can play in fostering inclusive economies, where vulnerable populations can also reap all the benefits of AI. Without deliberate intervention, AI risks intensifying global inequality—a warning underscored by UN Secretary–General António Guterres, who urged seizing this “historic opportunity to lay the foundations for inclusive governance of AI—for the benefit of all humanity.”
The Global South, particularly the African continent, stands at a crossroads. Historically excluded from the benefits of the post–World War II economic order, Africa could leap forward through AI. Agriculture, which employs approximately 60% of Africa’s workforce, could be transformed through AI–powered crop monitoring, disease detection, and market forecasting. According to the African Development Bank, Africa has roughly 65% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, abundant freshwater reserves, and close to 300 annual sunny days—setting the stage for an AI–driven agricultural transformation, if harnessed appropriately. The African Union's 2024 Continental AI Strategy also affirms this enormous potential by referencing the deployment of AI for crop disease identification and enabling access to financial services for farmers as small–scale use cases. Yet infrastructure remains a significant barrier to adoption. Only 38% of Africa has internet connectivity, and 43% of the population lacks access to electricity—essential foundations for AI deployment.
To ensure inclusive AI–led growth, several enabling frameworks are critical. First, international governance models must facilitate technology transfer while building local capacity. Second, public–private partnerships should develop digital infrastructure that serves underserved communities, not just urban centers. Third, regional approaches to AI governance, like the AU's Continental AI Strategy, can pool resources and local expertise while maintaining sovereignty over technological innovation.
The path forward requires moving beyond viewing the Global South as a passive participant in global discussions shaping the future of AI's development and deployment. Future success will ultimately depend on fora like the UN General Assembly continually pushing for economic systems where technological progress translates into shared prosperity, rather than continued inequality.
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Global South must be active part of shaping AI future
Africa could be poised for an AI revolution in agriculture, with inclusive governance. Image via Adobe Stock.
September 23, 2025
Without deliberate intervention, AI will likely intensify global inequality. Yet Africa is poised for an AI–revolution, particularly in agriculture, if fora like the UN can help lay the foundations for inclusive AI governance, writes Laura Kupe.
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s the UN General Assembly convenes for its 80th session, world leaders face ongoing global conflicts, a need to reevaluate multilateralism, and accelerating institutional reforms—all during a moment when AI is reshaping every dimension of human life. Currently, the economic rewards of AI are heavily concentrated in a handful of powerful tech companies and countries in the Global North, leaving much of the Global South behind. Central to many discussions during the session will be the role that AI can play in fostering inclusive economies, where vulnerable populations can also reap all the benefits of AI. Without deliberate intervention, AI risks intensifying global inequality—a warning underscored by UN Secretary–General António Guterres, who urged seizing this “historic opportunity to lay the foundations for inclusive governance of AI—for the benefit of all humanity.”
The Global South, particularly the African continent, stands at a crossroads. Historically excluded from the benefits of the post–World War II economic order, Africa could leap forward through AI. Agriculture, which employs approximately 60% of Africa’s workforce, could be transformed through AI–powered crop monitoring, disease detection, and market forecasting. According to the African Development Bank, Africa has roughly 65% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, abundant freshwater reserves, and close to 300 annual sunny days—setting the stage for an AI–driven agricultural transformation, if harnessed appropriately. The African Union's 2024 Continental AI Strategy also affirms this enormous potential by referencing the deployment of AI for crop disease identification and enabling access to financial services for farmers as small–scale use cases. Yet infrastructure remains a significant barrier to adoption. Only 38% of Africa has internet connectivity, and 43% of the population lacks access to electricity—essential foundations for AI deployment.
To ensure inclusive AI–led growth, several enabling frameworks are critical. First, international governance models must facilitate technology transfer while building local capacity. Second, public–private partnerships should develop digital infrastructure that serves underserved communities, not just urban centers. Third, regional approaches to AI governance, like the AU's Continental AI Strategy, can pool resources and local expertise while maintaining sovereignty over technological innovation.
The path forward requires moving beyond viewing the Global South as a passive participant in global discussions shaping the future of AI's development and deployment. Future success will ultimately depend on fora like the UN General Assembly continually pushing for economic systems where technological progress translates into shared prosperity, rather than continued inequality.
