ST JOHN’S: Artificial intelligence could widen economic inequality between richer and poorer Commonwealth countries, with a potential $360 billion gap in economic gains over the next decade, according to a new study examining youth readiness for the technology.
The Ayre Index, unveiled at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, assessed conditions affecting 732 million people aged 15 to 29 across all 56 member states.
The research found that only 15 countries met its benchmark for youth artificial intelligence readiness.
Under the study’s middle-growth scenario, these countries could collectively gain $389.2 billion in economic output over 10 years through AI, compared with just $29.2 billion for the remaining 41 countries.
The difference of $360 billion is more than twice the $174 billion provided in development assistance by major donor countries last year.
Digital Access
Singapore topped the readiness rankings, followed by Malta, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada. Malawi and Lesotho ranked lowest.
Among the Commonwealth’s 21 African members, only Mauritius, South Africa and Nigeria met the benchmark.
The study highlighted significant differences in internet access, electricity availability, digital skills and employment opportunities.
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In Togo, despite almost universal 4G coverage, fewer than half of young people reported using the internet. In Malawi, electricity reaches only a fifth of the population.
Nigeria presented another challenge, with around 90 per cent of surveyed young people expecting to use AI for work or education within a year, despite the country scoring just 0.8 out of 10 in conventional digital capabilities.
AI Benefits
Entrepreneur Calvin Ayre, founder of the think tank behind the index, said governments needed to equip young people with the skills and opportunities required to benefit from artificial intelligence.
The study also warned that meeting readiness benchmarks does not guarantee employment. South Africa, despite qualifying, recorded youth unemployment of 46.3 per cent.
Drawing on 1,128 sources, the research concluded that affordable connectivity, education, employment opportunities and support for entrepreneurs will determine whether AI reduces or reinforces existing economic inequalities.
