Microsoft is set to invest USD $50 billion by the end of the decade to improve access to artificial intelligence (AI) in the Global South. This announcement was made at the India AI Impact Summit, where the need for unified global efforts among governments, private enterprises, and nonprofits to bridge the AI adoption gap was emphasized.
During the summit, leaders including Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, highlighted findings from the AI Diffusion Report, indicating that AI usage is about twice as prevalent in the Global North compared to the Global South. To address this imbalance, Microsoft has proposed a detailed five-part strategy aimed at enhancing infrastructure, developing digital skills, supporting multilingual AI, encouraging local innovations, and tracking AI implementation to guide future initiatives.
Infrastructure is essential for successful AI integration, requiring stable electricity and internet access. In the past fiscal year, Microsoft has committed over $8 billion to data center projects in various regions, including India and Africa, with the goal of connecting 250 million people in underserved communities. Additionally, more than $2 billion has been earmarked for digital skills initiatives to empower individuals and educators across the Global South.
Language diversity poses a challenge for AI, prompting Microsoft to launch LINGUA Africa, a $5.5 million program focused on developing AI for lesser-known African languages, furthering their commitment to inclusivity in technology.