Quantum computing has the potential to profoundly impact global development over the next several decades. Development practitioners across a wide range of sectors—from applications in digital finance to broader priorities like tech workforce development—must prepare for the risks and opportunities the quantum computing transition may offer.
This report is an effort to synthesize current understanding of how quantum computing may affect the trajectory of global development over the next two decades and proposes how practitioners and decision-makers can respond. We identify key risks of quantum computing that must be addressed proactively by the development community in the short term. We also identify potential opportunities of quantum computing and propose actions to make the most of these opportunities. We hope this report is useful for development practitioners, policymakers, funders, and researchers.
