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AI Adoption, Innovation Ecosystems, and Economic Transformation in the Global South

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  • Olaniyi Evans

Abstract

Artificial intelligence is reshaping economic prospects across the Global South. This article examines verifiable evidence of AI ecosystem development in Brazil, Nigeria, and Kenya as representative cases, drawing on institutional data from the Stanford AI Index, GSMA, AfDB, OECD, and national policy documents. It finds that sovereign policy commitments are beginning to consolidate market signals but that a significant gap between adoption intensity and capital formation persists. Four sectors (health logistics, agricultural advisory, AI-enabled fintech, and African-language AI) show the most credible unit economics. Bridging the capital gap before 2030 is the decisive challenge for policymakers and investors alike.

Suggested Citation

  • Olaniyi Evans, 2026. "AI Adoption, Innovation Ecosystems, and Economic Transformation in the Global South," Hequation Review, Hequation, vol. 2(2), pages 7-12, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:heq:heqrev:v2y2026i2a2
    DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.32393502
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    JEL classification:

    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • O54 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Latin America; Caribbean
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa
    • G24 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Investment Banking; Venture Capital; Brokerage
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy

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