Artificial Intelligence in Global Development: A Critical Examination of Ethical, Governance, and Cybersecurity Gaps for the Global South

The "Artificial Intelligence in Global Development Playbook" offers a roadmap for harnessing AI to drive sustainable development, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). While the Playbook presents valuable frameworks for addressing the risks and opportunities of AI, it falls short in fully addressing the complex realities and structural challenges faced by the Global South. This critical review examines the Playbook through the lenses of AI ethics, governance, and cybersecurity and identifies areas where the Playbook’s recommendations could be better aligned with the needs of LMICs.

Infrastructure Challenges: More Than Just a Policy Problem

One of the major areas where the Playbook offers guidance is in improving digital infrastructure. However, it does not sufficiently address the severe infrastructural gaps that hinder AI adoption in many LMICs. With unreliable electricity supply, poor Internet connectivity, and limited access to computing resources, many countries in the Global South are not positioned to benefit from the AI revolution in the same way that wealthier nations can.

While the Playbook mentions these challenges, it does not propose concrete, actionable solutions to bridge these gaps. The call for public-private partnerships and improved digital infrastructure is valid but overlooks the high cost of implementation in regions with strained financial resources. A more realistic approach would include affordable access to computing power and targeted investment in clean energy infrastructure to meet AI’s substantial energy demands. Without tackling these fundamental challenges head-on, LMICs are at risk of being further excluded from the AI-driven global economy.

Ethical Concerns: Avoiding Digital Colonialism

The Playbook highlights the importance of responsible AI ecosystems, yet it does not fully address the potential for digital colonialism in AI deployment. AI often relies on data extracted from LMICs, with benefits flowing primarily to Global North tech companies, leaving local communities without equitable returns. This imbalance in data ownership and benefit-sharing underscores the risk of exploitation, where LMICs serve as data sources but do not gain from the technological advancements derived from their data.

Moreover, the Playbook does not sufficiently emphasize community-led AI governance. For AI to be truly ethical, local communities should have a say in how AI is developed and deployed in their contexts. The Playbook could go further by advocating for community-driven oversight and ensuring that AI projects align with local needs rather than being imposed by external entities. This would help mitigate the risk of AI reinforcing inequalities and biases that already exist in these regions.

Governance Frameworks: Global Standards, Local Realities

The Playbook’s call for strong governance frameworks is commendable, but its recommendations lean heavily on global standards that may not be feasible for countries with weaker legal systems and regulatory capacities. LMICs often lack the institutional strength to enforce comprehensive AI governance, particularly in areas like data privacy, accountability, and transparency.

The Playbook could be more effective by focusing on capacity-building at the local level. This includes empowering governments and civil society to shape governance frameworks that are adaptable to local realities rather than simply importing models from the Global North. Additionally, the emphasis on multi-stakeholder collaboration—though important—may be challenging for countries where government and private sector collaboration is underdeveloped. A more nuanced approach would acknowledge these governance gaps and propose ways to strengthen local governance capabilities in AI regulation.

Cybersecurity and Sovereignty: A Growing Vulnerability

Cybersecurity is rightly positioned as a critical component of trusted AI ecosystems, but the Playbook underestimates the cybersecurity vulnerabilities specific to LMICs. Many of these countries are highly susceptible to cyber-attacks and data breaches, particularly when AI systems are connected to sensitive sectors like governance, healthcare, or finance. However, the Playbook’s recommendations for safeguarding AI systems are largely dependent on international cooperation and private-sector partnerships, which may compromise national sovereignty in LMICs.

The Playbook could provide stronger guidance on how LMICs can develop their own cybersecurity infrastructure without becoming overly reliant on foreign entities, which may not always act in the best interest of local populations. This includes investment in local cybersecurity training and infrastructure development, as well as advocating for regional cooperation between Global South nations to protect their digital sovereignty.

Adaptability and Local Context: One-Size-Does-Not-Fit-All

The Playbook’s focus on global best practices risks overlooking the unique political, social, and cultural contexts in the Global South. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to AI governance and deployment, and the Playbook could benefit from a stronger emphasis on contextual adaptability. For instance, the legal and social frameworks for AI governance in South Africa or Kenya are vastly different from those in Brazil or India. A more critical approach would explore how the Playbook’s principles could be tailored to the specific needs and governance structures of individual countries and communities.

Towards a More Inclusive AI Future

The "Artificial Intelligence in Global Development Playbook" sets a solid foundation for responsible AI use in global development but falls short in addressing the unique realities of LMICs in the Global South. Without concrete strategies to address infrastructure challenges, prevent exploitation, strengthen local governance, and safeguard cybersecurity, there is a risk that AI will widen global inequalities rather than mitigate them.

To be truly impactful, the Playbook must go beyond global frameworks and best practices to offer practical, context-driven solutions that prioritise the needs and voices of those in the Global South. Only then can AI serve as a tool for equitable and sustainable development, empowering all nations to benefit from the digital future.