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Artificial Intelligence

USAID’s AI Action Plan charts a course for driving the responsible use of AI globally

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As development practitioners and donors, we have a moral obligation to ensure AI is designed and deployed in a responsible and ethical manner to the benefit of all, particularly underserved communities.
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— USAID Chief Digital Development Officer Christopher Burns

Through USAID's extensive experience in digital development, we know firsthand the immense potential for AI technologies in our work and their inherent risks.

Today, AI tools are reducing barriers to education access, improving flood and earthquake prediction, optimizing energy grids, and streamlining government service delivery. Yet, the benefits of AI also come with risks, such as amplifying biases that entrench inequalities, enabling human rights infringements through surveillance and censorship, and contributing to information manipulation.

As AI technologies are embedded and intertwined in digital ecosystems, USAID is leading the way in promoting a responsible approach to AI. We achieve this by equipping those who encounter or leverage emerging technologies in developing countries with the tools to enable inclusive and equitable development outcomes.

Featured Stories of Impact

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In this StoryMap, learn how USAID is pioneering the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its expansive mission.

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Examine a few of USAID's AI projects to explore lessons learned and find out how we can continue to adopt AI tools responsibly.

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Because equity is not the status quo, international development practitioners must adopt intentional best practices.

Key Areas of Work

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We conduct and support independent research on AI and its sociotechnical implications in the Global South, and translate this research into action with our partners around the globe.

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We identify key gaps in AI ecosystems and fund projects to address these gaps and enable best practices for sustainable development.

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We partner with a range of stakeholders to promote a shared agenda on responsible use of AI.

Additional Resources

Research and Guidance

Funding and Programming

Influencing the AI Landscape

Adopting AI at USAID

Contact Us

To learn more, please email us at emergingtech@usaid.gov

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence

As development practitioners and donors, we have a moral obligation to ensure AI is designed and deployed in a responsible and ethical manner to the benefit of all, particularly underserved communities.

How USAID is Transforming Development with AI

Case Studies in Responsible AI for Development

How to Make AI Equitable in the Global South

Research and Guidance

Funding and Programming

Influencing the AI Landscape

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