Cassava Technologies and NVIDIA have been named knowledge partners in the World Bank Group’s new AI Infrastructure and Readiness Initiative, which aims to help developing countries access affordable computing power and use artificial intelligence (AI).
Initially focused on Africa and Latin America, the initiative will provide shared, pay-as-you-go GPU infrastructure, offering countries an alternative to building their own data centres.
The initiative supports the World Bank Group’s push for “small AI” — tools designed for practical tasks such as helping farmers identify crop diseases, supporting health workers and enabling businesses to manage inventory.
It forms part of the Group’s first digital strategy, which focuses on expanding connectivity, making devices and data more affordable, improving digital services and skills, and strengthening AI readiness.
“Digital technology can help countries create jobs and make scarce resources go further. Realizing that potential requires a comprehensive approach — from reliable connectivity and affordable devices to digital skills and useful services,” said World Bank Group President Ajay Banga.
“Our first digital strategy brings these pieces together, helping countries build the foundations to benefit from today’s digital tools and the promise of small AI—AI for the people,” he said.
The strategy comes as developing countries face a major employment challenge. About 1.2 billion young people are expected to reach working age over the next 10 to 15 years, while their economies are projected to generate approximately 420 million jobs.
Digital technology could help close that gap by improving productivity, expanding market access and supporting job creation across sectors including agriculture, health care, energy, tourism and manufacturing.
However, more than two billion people remained offline globally in 2025. Internet use stood at 23% in low-income countries, compared with 94% in high-income countries.
The World Bank Group plans to combine financing, policy advice, private investment and guarantees to expand digital access, skills and services, with privacy, cybersecurity and fraud protection underpinning its strategy.
