February 18, 2026 4:13 PM
Microsoft to invest $50 billion to expand AI access across Global South, launches teacher skilling programme in India
Microsoft on Wednesday said it plans to invest $50 billion by the end of the decade to expand access to artificial intelligence (AI) across countries in the Global South, warning that a widening AI divide could deepen economic inequality. In a blog post, Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith and Chief Responsible AI Officer Natasha Crampton said AI adoption in the Global North is nearly twice that of the Global South. The gap, they noted, risks affecting economic growth and equitable ac...