AI Could Widen Global Inequality — UNDP’s 2025 Warning

 In December 2025, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released a major report warning that AI may deepen global inequality. Countries with advanced infrastructure, capital, and strong regulation are accelerating ahead, while many developing nations risk being left behind.

The report highlights five drivers of this growing divide: limited access to computing power, weak AI talent pipelines, poor data ecosystems, slow regulation, and major gaps in investment. Together, these pressures make it harder for low-income countries to benefit from AI at the same speed as wealthier regions.

For Africa — and Kenya in particular — this moment is critical. Without strategic action, the continent could become a passive consumer of foreign AI technologies rather than an active creator. This would limit innovation, reduce competitiveness, and increase dependence on imported systems.

Yet the UNDP also stresses Africa’s opportunity. AI can unlock gains in health, agriculture, education, disaster response, and financial inclusion. With the right investment, the continent can leapfrog traditional barriers and build its own AI ecosystem.

Kenya is moving early. The National AI Strategy 2025–2030 signals a strong national commitment, supported by a fast-growing local developer community and training programs from global tech companies. But policy alone is not enough. Africa needs stronger data infrastructure, more compute access, and deeper investment in local AI startups.

The message is clear: if Africa wants to shape its digital future, now is the time to act. AI will transform the world — the question is whether the continent becomes a producer or remains a consumer.

At Pamoja AI, we believe Africa can lead. The next decade will decide how far we go.