Is There an Urgent Need to Close the AI Gap Between the Global North and South?
Synopsis
Brad Smith of Microsoft highlights the urgent requirement to bridge the AI chasm between the Global North and South. This disparity is rooted in unequal access to technology and electricity, creating economic gaps that must be addressed swiftly. With significant investments planned, the Global South has a unique opportunity to catch up in AI development.
Key Takeaways
Urgent action is needed to bridge the AI divide between Global North and South.
The economic gap is largely due to unequal access to technology.
Global North's AI usage is 25% compared to 14% in the South.
Microsoft aims to invest $50 billion in AI for the Global South. 'Elevate for Educators' program to benefit two million teachers .
New Delhi, Feb 18 (NationPress) There is a pressing necessity to address the artificial intelligence (AI) gap between the Global North and Global South, as emphasized by Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith on Wednesday.
During a session at the ‘India AI Impact Summit 2026’, he pointed out that the economic disparity is a result of unequal access to technology, particularly electricity.
"For over a century, technology has catalyzed industrialization and wealth in the Global North long before it gained momentum in the South," Smith noted.
By the close of 2025, it was projected that 25% of the working-age populace in the Global North would be utilizing AI, whereas only 14% in the South would have access. This divide is worsening, according to his remarks.
In the latter half of 2025, the growth rate in the North reached 1.8%, contrasting with a mere 1.0% in the South.
“We must tackle this issue with great urgency,” he insisted.
Smith also remarked that this moment could represent a significant chance for the Global South to catch up. "It is imperative to leverage public capital and stimulate demand to drive the necessary infrastructure development in the Global South," he stated.
He further commended the ‘India AI Impact Summit’ for placing such challenges at the forefront of its agenda. “For over a century, uneven access to electricity has intensified the economic gulf between the Global North and South. If we do not act swiftly, the widening AI gap will further entrench this inequality in the years to come,” he cautioned.
Earlier, Microsoft announced plans to invest $50 billion by the decade's end to facilitate AI access in the Global South. They also unveiled Elevate for Educators in India, aiming to enhance the skills of two million teachers across over 200,000 schools, vocational institutions, and universities.
“Our objective is to empower the nation’s teaching community to navigate confidently in an AI-driven tomorrow. This initiative will be executed in collaboration with India's national education and workforce training authorities, extending equitable AI opportunities to eight million students," the company stated.
Point of View
The emphasis on bridging the AI divide between the Global North and South reflects a fundamental issue of equity in technology access. As nations strive for progress, the disparity in AI capabilities could hinder growth in the Global South. It is crucial for stakeholders to act decisively to ensure that technological advancements benefit all regions fairly.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AI divide between the Global North and South?
The AI divide refers to the disparity in access and utilization of artificial intelligence technologies, where the Global North has significantly higher usage rates compared to the Global South.
What are the implications of this divide?
The implications include exacerbated economic inequalities and hindered growth opportunities for countries in the Global South, which may lack the necessary infrastructure and resources.
How much is Microsoft planning to invest in AI for the Global South?
Microsoft plans to invest $50 billion by the end of the decade to enhance AI access and infrastructure in countries across the Global South.
What initiatives is Microsoft launching in India?
Microsoft is launching 'Elevate for Educators' in India, aimed at strengthening the capacity of two million teachers across various educational institutions.
Why is access to electricity important for AI development?
Access to electricity is crucial for AI development as it enables the use of technology and digital resources necessary for AI applications and infrastructure.
