World Development Report 2026

The World Bank has released the World Development Report 2026. Published annually since 1978, the report examines a major development issue and provides policy recommendations for countries.

The 2026 edition focuses on how countries can use Artificial Intelligence effectively through a three-stage approach: Adopt, Adapt and Advance. It aims to help countries capture AI’s benefits without wasting limited resources or becoming excessively dependent on a single technology provider.

Major Findings

• Automation Risk: Jobs in high-income countries are more than three times as likely to face automation risks from generative AI compared with jobs in low- and middle-income countries.
• Productivity Gains: AI could raise productivity in more than 16% of existing jobs in developing economies, compared with over 18% in advanced economies.
• AI in Agriculture: AI can improve agricultural productivity and resilience, but its benefits depend on supportive policies, adequate infrastructure and equitable access.

Key Challenges

• Attempting to build highly advanced AI systems too early may be costly and ineffective for developing countries.
• Many developing economies still lack essential foundations such as reliable electricity, internet connectivity, quality data systems, skilled human resources and strong institutions.
• If these gaps remain unaddressed, AI could widen inequalities between developed and developing countries and also deepen disparities within countries.

Recommendations

• Countries should first adopt existing AI tools, then adapt them to local needs, and only later advance toward developing sophisticated domestic AI capabilities.
• Governments should promote responsible AI, apply existing laws to address potential harms and strengthen public trust through privacy protection and safeguards against bias in AI-based decision-making.