Africa Urged to Embrace Affordable AI

World Bank President Ajay Banga has urged African countries to focus on affordable, practical artificial intelligence (AI) tools that meet their needs, as youth and AI take centre stage at the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, according to NewsCentral TV Business Correspondent Chamun Dabeng.

Speaking on the discussions, Dabeng reported on Monday on growing excitement among delegates and participants at the event. She said the day began with discussions in which civil society organisations, delegates and other participants shared their expectations for the meetings and the issues they hoped to address.

One major topic was AI’s role in Africa’s development. According to Dabeng, Banga urged countries not to focus only on expensive, large-scale AI systems that require billions of dollars in investment. Instead, he encouraged using smaller, adaptable AI tools that meet local infrastructure needs and fit within national budgets. Such tools could support agriculture, boost economic growth and improve security in Nigeria and across Africa.

Read More : Bill Gates: AI Cyberattacks Most Imminent Risk

Chaman Dabeng — NewsCentral TV Business Correspondent Chamun Dabeng. Credit: NewsCentral TV.

However, Dabeng said the key issue was not whether African countries should adopt AI, but whether their leaders had the political will to invest in it. The discussions have highlighted how African countries can use AI to address local challenges without taking on costs they cannot afford.

As the annual meetings continue, the focus remains on turning conversations about technology into practical solutions that support economic growth and development across the continent.

Affordable and adaptable AI solutions are among the key topics being discussed at the IMF (@IMFNews) and World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand. World Bank President Ajay Banga has drawn attention to smaller-scale AI technologies that can work within local infrastructure and budget constraints. Chamun Dabeng reports.

— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) October 12, 2026

Author

Deborah Akwa

Deborah Akwa is a content writer with over four years of experience creating brand stories, editorial content, and audience-focused articles on topics like health, lifestyle, and entertainment.

When she isn't writing, she is behind the scenes managing editorial operations and helping the content team work better.

She loves using words to connect brands with their audiences. Outside of work, she enjoys watching movies and engaging in thought-provoking conversations.