World Bank - AI for Development

World Bank: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Development

World Bank

RAI-XB-GO-WBHAIXX-2020

In Force(In Force)As published at openknowledge.worldbank.org · checked 9 Sep 2026

World Bank - AI for Development is In Force in World Bank as of 9 Sep 2026, according to openknowledge.worldbank.org.

GuidelineGovernance and OversightRisk ManagementInternational Alignment

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World Bank report providing policy and regulatory framework for developing countries to leverage AI while managing risks.

Summary

The World Bank report "Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Development" published in 2020 provides a new policy and regulatory framework specifically designed for developing countries. It addresses how low and middle-income countries can leverage AI technologies while managing associated risks including bias, privacy, and job displacement. The report is part of the World Bank's broader GovTech and digital development initiatives.

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Plain English

This World Bank report offers guidance and a framework for developing countries to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly, aiming to harness its benefits for sustainable development while managing associated risks. It applies to governments in low and middle-income countries globally, providing a blueprint for national AI strategies.

For product managers, founders, and in-house teams, understanding this framework is crucial because it will shape the regulatory landscape and market opportunities in these nations. While not a direct regulation on companies, it encourages governments to take specific actions. Key among these are: - Conducting a thorough AI readiness assessment to understand their current capabilities and gaps. - Developing comprehensive national policy frameworks to guide AI adoption and innovation. - Investing in essential infrastructure and skills development to support AI ecosystems. - Prioritizing robust risk management strategies to address ethical, privacy, and security concerns related to AI.

The report was published in 2020 and is currently in force as a guiding document. There are no direct penalties for countries that do not follow this guidance. Instead, the World Bank encourages adherence through its various programs, technical assistance, and financing support. This means countries seeking World Bank aid for digital development or AI initiatives will likely need to demonstrate alignment with these principles.

A practical pitfall for businesses is to mistakenly view this as a direct regulation on their AI products or services. Instead, it serves as a foundational document influencing the national AI policies, infrastructure investments, and skill development programs that governments in developing countries will implement. This indirect influence means that companies operating in or targeting these markets should anticipate evolving regulatory environments and potential government support for "AI for Development" applications, which are defined as AI solutions advancing Sustainable Development Goals.

Plain-English rewrite by Regulations.ai — not legal advice. Verify against the official text.

Overview

The World Bank's report provides guidance for developing countries on AI adoption. See World Bank Open Knowledge.

Definitions

AI for Development: AI applications advancing SDGs
Small AI: Affordable, accessible AI solutions

Governance and Institutional Framework

World Bank Digital Development: Lead unit
GovTech Initiative: Related program

Key Focus Areas

AI readiness assessment
Policy frameworks
Infrastructure requirements
Skills development
Risk management

Implementation Framework

Country assessments
Technical assistance
Financing support

Monitoring and Evaluation

Digital Progress reports
Country monitoring

Penalties, Liability, and Appeals

Guidance document; implementation through World Bank programs.

Relationship to Other Instruments

Supports 2030 Agenda
Aligns with international AI frameworks

International Alignment

Focus on low and middle-income countries globally.

Implementation Timeline

Date	Milestone	Status
2020	Report published	Completed

Sources and References

Document	Type	Link
Harnessing AI for Development	Report	World Bank

Requirements for a company

What an organisation has to do under World Bank - AI for Development, at a glance. Not legal advice — the table below gives the provision and deadline for each item.

Must do

Evaluate your country's AI readiness.Developing countries adopting AI.
Develop comprehensive policy frameworks for AI.Developing countries adopting AI.
Address necessary infrastructure requirements for AI.Developing countries adopting AI.
Invest in skills development for AI.Developing countries adopting AI.
Implement robust risk management strategies for AI.Developing countries adopting AI.

Must not do

Nothing in this category.

Should do

Nothing in this category.

Should not do

Nothing in this category.

Who must do what

The obligations under World Bank - AI for Development, most serious first. Not legal advice — verify against the official text before relying on it.

#	Who	Requirement	By when	Where	Severity
1	Developing countries adopting AI.	Evaluate your country's AI readiness. “Evaluate AI readiness”	Before AI adoption	Compliance Checklist	Important
2	Developing countries adopting AI.	Develop comprehensive policy frameworks for AI. “Policy frameworks”	—	Key Focus Areas	Important
3	Developing countries adopting AI.	Address necessary infrastructure requirements for AI. “Infrastructure requirements”	—	Key Focus Areas	Important
4	Developing countries adopting AI.	Invest in skills development for AI. “Skills development”	—	Key Focus Areas	Important
5	Developing countries adopting AI.	Implement robust risk management strategies for AI. “Risk management”	—	Key Focus Areas	Important

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