World Bank: AI Could Propel Emerging Nations into a Century-Long Leap

Artificial intelligence is poised to become a $2.5 trillion driver of global growth in 2024, yet the World Bank’s latest report suggests it could be the century’s biggest leap for emerging economies.

AI as an Economic Catalyst: Short-Term Gains, Long-Term Ascension

AI’s impact on digital infrastructure, food security, and energy efficiency positions it as a new growth engine for Africa and Southeast Asia.

Financial Ecosystem Transformation: Banking and Insurance

■SMEs see a 30% increase in credit access through AI‑powered risk models.

■Claims processing in insurance drops by 50%.

■Fintech startups accelerate KYC processes by twice with AI‑driven regtech.

Policy Framework and Regulation: AI Governance in Developing Nations

■Data protection laws are aligning with ESG standards by 2025.

■Governments allocate $10 billion for AI R&D.

■International collaborations promote transparent data sharing.

Sectoral Outlook: Education, Health, and Infrastructure

■AI‑personalized learning boosts enrollment by 25%.

■AI diagnostics shorten disease lifespan by 10 years in emerging markets.

■AI in construction cuts costs by 18%, enhancing budget efficiency.

Risks and Recommendations: Data Security, Inequality, and Workforce

■Privacy concerns raise cyber‑attack risk by 40%.

■AI automation demands new skills, potentially widening the skill gap.

■Inclusive policies are essential to mitigate inequality.

Caner Yılmaz: Markets should closely monitor AI’s growth potential for emerging economies, but not ignore data‑security and regulatory risks. AI‑enabled infrastructure investments could boost the competitive edge of BIST 100 firms, yet may introduce short‑term volatility.