World Bank backs mobile-friendly AI for growth
World Bank says ‘small AI’ could transform developing countries
Monday, 19 October 2026
Photo by Fajar Herlambang STUDIO on Unsplash
Warm-up
- How do people in your country use mobile phones for work or study?
- What new technology has helped your community recently? How?
- What skills will young people need for future jobs?
Vocabulary
- connectivity
- the ability of a device to connect to the internet or a network
- local
- belonging to or used in a particular place or community
- adopt
- to start using an idea, product or way of working
- infrastructure
- basic systems like electricity and internet that a country needs
- collaborate
- to work together with other people or groups
- rural
- relating to the countryside rather than a town or city
- eliminate
- to remove something completely
- capital
- money used to start or grow projects or businesses
Reading
Listen to this story
British EnglishThe World Bank has been urging developing countries to build "small AI" models that run on mobile phones with low connectivity and in local languages. Paschal Donohoe, the Bank’s chief knowledge officer, says such tools could speed up development from centuries to decades if they meet local needs. In India’s AgriConnect scheme, farmers need soil analysis in their language; phone-based small AI can help. He says the Bank will collaborate with governments and the private sector.
At meetings in Bangkok this week, the World Bank and the IMF have been discussing jobs and growth. Kristalina Georgieva said countries need electricity, digital infrastructure and safety so people can adopt it. The Bank noted many rural schools in sub-Saharan Africa lack electricity and reliable internet. Over time, 40% of jobs may be augmented or eliminated, with young people most at risk. Under Ajay Banga, the Bank has mobilised $120bn of private capital using guarantees.
Comprehension
- What kind of AI does the World Bank want countries to build?
- Where are the World Bank and IMF meetings taking place this week?
- How could small AI help Indian farmers in the AgriConnect scheme?
- What conditions did Kristalina Georgieva say are needed for AI adoption?
- What share of jobs may be changed or removed by AI over time?
Grammar focus
Present perfect continuous
Use have/has + been + verb-ing for actions that started before now and continue or are happening around now. Common signals: for, since, this week, lately.
- The World Bank has been urging developing countries to build "small AI".
- At meetings in Bangkok this week, the World Bank and the IMF have been discussing jobs and growth.
Grammar exercise
Complete each sentence with the present perfect continuous form.
- Farmers (seek) ___ advice in their language since 2020.
- Officials (collaborate) ___ with firms all week.
- Young people (worry) ___ about AI and jobs lately.
- Teams (build) ___ small AI for local needs for years.
- A farmer (learn) ___ to use phone AI lately.
Discussion
- Could small AI on phones help people where you live? How?
- What risks of AI should governments prepare for first?
- Where is connectivity or electricity still a problem near you?
- Should public or private capital lead new AI projects? Why?
Vocabulary, reading, and exercises with instant feedback
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