AI Revolution Poses Challenges for the Global South: A Call for Inclusion
AI developments may deepen inequalities for the global south, as highlighted by a recent commentary.
Key Points
- • Global south risks exclusion from AI discussions, perpetuating inequalities
- • Limited access to AI opportunities for countries with weak tech infrastructure
- • Visa issues hinder participation of African delegates in AI conferences
- • Advocacy for collaborative efforts among global south nations for equitable AI benefits.
In a recent commentary, Krystal Maughan, a PhD student from Trinidad and Tobago, highlights the significant risks posed by the AI revolution for countries in the global south. Published on August 3, 2025, the article emphasizes the potential for existing economic and technological inequalities to be exacerbated as these regions are increasingly marginalized in the global AI discourse.
Maughan points out that access to AI opportunities is primarily concentrated in the global north, leaving nations in the global south largely excluded from meaningful participation in discussions and developments in the field. "AI democratisation" is critiqued as being more beneficial to industrialized countries, while those in the global south are often left in low-paid roles, such as data labeling, rather than reaping the broader benefits of AI advancements.
The exclusion is further perpetuated by logistical barriers; many attendees from the African continent face visa challenges that limit their ability to join AI conferences and networking opportunities. This, Maughan argues, creates a cycle of disenfranchisement from the AI workforce, where the expertise required for advancement remains concentrated with those in established tech hubs.
The article outlines how historical mistrust and insufficient institutional frameworks in developing countries obstruct the integration of AI into their economies. Furthermore, issues such as weak data protection laws hinder these nations' abilities to compete in the global information marketplace, leading to a scenario where the economic promises of AI remain unfulfilled for many populations.
Reflecting on her experiences in the tech industry, Maughan draws parallels between the legacy of natural resource exploitation in the global south and current dynamics in AI, suggesting that without a concerted effort to include diverse perspectives, an equitable future of technology remains an elusive goal. By advocating for collaboration among global southern nations, she emphasizes the importance of building their own tech markets and assertively claiming sovereignty over their data.
Maughan concludes by stressing that the future of AI should prioritize the insights of marginalized communities, ensuring that the transformative potential of AI not only advances technology but also contributes positively to local challenges and improves quality of life.