A new joint working paper by the International Labour Organisation and the World Bank has warned that generative artificial intelligence is poised to reshape labour markets worldwide, but its impact will be uneven, particularly between advanced and developing economies.
The study, prepared as a background paper for the World Development Report 2026, examined labour market exposure to GenAI across 135 countries, covering roughly two-thirds of global employment. It found that differences in digital infrastructure, job composition, and skill levels are key in determining which countries and workers will benefit or lose out from the technology.
According to the report, advanced economies face higher exposure to GenAI, especially in clerical and professional roles, while developing countries, although less exposed overall, face structural constraints that limit their ability to capture productivity gains. The digital divide is a major factor: workers in vulnerable jobs are often online even in low-income settings, meaning automation could eliminate higher-quality roles, such as clerical and administrative positions, that have historically offered pathways to decent work, particularly for women and young people.
At the same time, the study highlights that many workers in roles with productivity potential lack reliable internet access in developing economies, limiting their ability to benefit from GenAI. Additionally, similar job titles across countries often involve different tasks. Workers in lower-income countries tend to perform fewer non-routine analytical tasks, rely less on computers, and undertake more routine or manual work, reducing the scope for AI-driven productivity gains.
The authors emphasise that GenAI’s overall impact will depend not only on technological capability but also on digital connectivity, task organisation, and workforce skills. To ensure that the benefits of AI are widely shared, the paper calls for policies that expand digital infrastructure, support skills development, and strengthen labour market institutions and social protection systems.
“The potential of generative AI is immense, but without inclusive policies, it risks deepening inequalities in the global labour market,” the report concluded, urging governments and international partners to act proactively.
Nigeria has developed a National AI Strategy, emphasising ethical and inclusive innovation to drive sustainable development and bridge digital divides. Drafted in 2024 and advanced into 2026, the NAIS envisions Nigeria as a global AI leader through responsible innovation, with pillars covering foundational infrastructure, ethical governance, and sector transformation in health, agriculture, and education.
The strategy mandates inclusivity by targeting women, persons with disabilities, and local contexts, incorporating AI tools in Nigerian languages and cultures. Government agencies, such as the National Information Technology Development Agency and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, champion these initiatives. Startups like Intron Health exemplify tailored AI solutions in healthcare and finance.
NITDA has committed to gender inclusion by ensuring that 40 per cent of AI programmes benefit women and underserved groups, supported through training and digital infrastructure. The strategy also aims to develop three million AI-literate youth via the 3MTT programme and school curriculum integration. Ethical safeguards align with the 2023 Data Protection Act and AI Ethics Guidelines.
