AI Could Deepen Rich-Poor Divide, Warns WTO: Calls for Global Tech Access

WTO Warns: AI Could Widen Global Wealth Gap Without Equitable Access

Date: September 17, 2025
Byline: Staff Writer, Global Tech Watch

Geneva — The World Trade Organization (WTO) has issued a stark warning that artificial intelligence (AI), while holding immense promise, could deepen economic inequality between nations if access to AI technologies remains uneven.

In its latest report released this week, the WTO emphasized that the rapid adoption of AI by advanced economies could sideline developing countries unless deliberate steps are taken to ensure more inclusive access to the tools, infrastructure, and training needed to harness the technology.

“AI is not just a technology—it's a multiplier of economic capability,” said WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. “Without a global strategy to democratize access, we risk cementing existing disparities for generations.”

The report highlighted how developed countries currently dominate key areas such as AI model development, semiconductor manufacturing, and cloud computing infrastructure. Meanwhile, many lower-income nations face hurdles including poor internet connectivity, lack of digital literacy, and limited access to AI-related data and hardware.

The WTO urged international cooperation to prevent what it called a “digital divide on steroids.” Among its recommendations were increased investment in digital infrastructure in the Global South, more equitable sharing of AI research, and capacity-building partnerships between governments, academia, and industry.

Call for Action at Upcoming Global Summits

The warning comes ahead of multiple high-profile summits on AI governance and digital transformation scheduled for later this year, including the AI for Development Forum in Nairobi and the Global Digital Compact talks in New York.

Developing countries have already begun voicing concerns. Leaders from the African Union and ASEAN nations have called for global frameworks that ensure fair access to emerging technologies.

India, for example, plans to advocate for shared AI access at the upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, highlighting its vision of “AI for All” as part of a more equitable digital future.

Private Sector’s Role in Inclusive AI

Tech companies are also being urged to play a proactive role. The WTO report suggested that AI firms adopt voluntary licensing frameworks and open-source models to reduce costs and increase accessibility in lower-income markets.

Some companies, like Google and OpenAI, have begun limited efforts to open up certain AI tools globally, but critics say more transparency and accountability are needed.

Conclusion

As AI reshapes everything from healthcare to logistics, the WTO's warning serves as a reminder: the future of technology must be built not just for the powerful, but for the many. Without intervention, the AI revolution may leave billions behind.