How Will AI Affect Developing Countries?

In Development and Asterisk are running an essay contest on how transformative AI will affect low- and middle-income countries and how they might respond, seeking 2,000–5,000 word essays on topics such as convergence or divergence between rich and developing countries, labor market impacts, political economy, government use of AI, needed policies and capabilities, conflict, diffusion of AI-based health technologies, public perceptions of AI risks and benefits, and philanthropic funding priorities. Prizes are $10,000 for the winner, $5,000 for two runners-up, and $2,000 for two honorable mentions, with a separate $2,500 prize from the African Tech Futures Lab for the best essay by an African national that can be combined with the above. Submissions close December 31, 2026, 11:59 PM Anywhere on Earth, and AI may be used for research, translation, and feedback but not to generate content beyond translation.