AI's Role in Reducing Poverty by 2030: A Technical Perspective

AI's Role in Reducing Poverty by 2030: A Technical Perspective Written by John Enoh, BSc, MSc CEO at NVIT | Cloud & AI-Driven Technology Leader | Startup Mentor | Ex-Microsoft, Ex-IBM, Ex-Ericsson, Ex-DXC, Ex-Capgemini

Introduction As we advance toward 2030, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to significantly impact global poverty rates. This article explores how AI can effectively alleviate poverty, enhance economic opportunities, and improve living conditions globally.

AI in Education: Bridging the Knowledge Gap AI has transformative educational potential, especially in underserved regions. By 2030, AI-driven educational tools could provide personalized learning experiences remotely, equipping individuals with the necessary skills for future job markets.

• Example: Khan Academy uses AI to customize learning, a model that could be expanded to vocational training in developing areas.

Healthcare: Improving Accessibility and Efficiency AI can enhance healthcare by improving disease diagnosis and management, especially in areas with limited medical infrastructure, through AI-powered diagnostics and telemedicine.

• Example: AI algorithms help accurately detect pathologies in imaging scans, improving healthcare outcomes in remote regions.

Agriculture: Boosting Food Security In agriculture, AI enhances efficiency and sustainability, improving food security and farmers' incomes by optimizing resource management and crop production.

• Example 1: AI-driven tools process aerial data to guide optimal agricultural practices, maximizing yields and minimizing environmental impacts.
• Example 2: AI-driven Food Waste and Resource Optimization Platform Develop a platform that connects farmers, retailers, and consumers to reduce food waste and optimize resource utilization by some students sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Education IDEAS Program assisted by the World Bank At NVIT, Otukpo Nigeria campus.

Financial Inclusion: Expanding Economic Opportunities AI facilitates financial inclusion by providing tailored financial products to the underbanked, using AI-driven credit scoring to evaluate creditworthiness and enable access to financial services.

• Example: Innovations by companies like Tala and Branch provide financial services in traditionally underserved markets.

Employment: Creating Job Opportunities AI-driven platforms enhance job matching and create employment opportunities, connecting job seekers with suitable positions and providing necessary training.

• Example: LinkedIn’s AI suggests jobs to users based on their skills, an approach that can be adapted for lower-income populations.

Urban Planning: Enhancing Living Conditions AI aids urban planning and improves city efficiency and livability by optimizing traffic, waste management, and resource use.

• Example: Sidewalk Labs uses AI to propose enhancements in urban planning, improving energy use and traffic management.

Innovative AI Projects at one of the NVIT X-Lab: Accelerating Green Hydrogen Production, where we are pioneering AI applications to support areas like green hydrogen production. The project, "Accelerating Green Hydrogen Production through AI-Driven Catalyst Discovery," leverages advanced AI and high-performance computing to develop efficient catalysts for green hydrogen. This involves using graph neural networks (GNNs) and active learning strategies integrated with density functional theory (DFT) calculations to explore chemical spaces and identify promising catalyst candidates. This project underscores NVIT's capability to assist nations and companies in adopting cutting-edge AI technologies for sustainable solutions.

Challenges and Considerations While AI offers vast opportunities, challenges such as ethical concerns, the digital divide, and dependency on technology must be addressed to ensure inclusive and beneficial AI integration.

Conclusion AI can potentially transform the fight against poverty through strategic interventions across various sectors by 2030. However, achieving these benefits requires careful implementation and robust policy frameworks to ensure that AI technologies are accessible and beneficial to all, particularly the most vulnerable. With the right approach, AI can be a powerful tool in fostering a more equitable and prosperous world. https://nvit.tech/