…. anticipates AI market value to reach $4.8tn by 2033
Lagos, April 3, 2025 – The United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has advised developing countries to invest massively in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to reap from its future potential.
It advised developing economies to invest in AI infrastructure, data and skills to harness its full potential.
The global body gave the advice in its UN Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) Technology and Innovation Report 2025 released on April 3, 2025.
It said less than one third of developing countries had AI strategies, while 118 countries lacked representation in AI governance, limiting global inclusivity.
It said the market value of Artificial Intelligence (AI) would expectedly reach $4.8 trillion by 2033, roughly the size of Germany’s economy, to become a prominent force in digital transformation
The report said up to 40% of global jobs were being impacted by AI, but there were no proactive labour policies in place.
UNCTAD said AI had been transforming economies and creating opportunities, but also posing risks of greater inequality.
UN Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) Technology and Innovation Report 2025 warned that while AI could be a powerful tool for progress, it is not inherently inclusive.
“Countries should act now by investing in digital infrastructure, building capabilities, and strengthening AI governance – to harness the AI potential for sustainable development.
UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan underlined the importance of ensuring people are at the centre of AI development, calling for stronger international cooperation to “shift the focus from technology to people, enabling countries to co-create a global artificial intelligence framework”.
She highlights: “AI’s economic benefit is massive, but must be shared
“AI is expected to reach $4.8 trillion in market value by 2033, becoming a prominent force in digital transformation.
“However, access to AI infrastructure and expertise remains concentrated in a few economies.
“Just 100 firms, mainly in the US and China, account for 40% of global corporate R&D spending.
“Leading tech giants, such as Apple, Nvidia and Microsoft, each have a market value of around $3 trillion, rivalling the gross domestic product of the whole African continent.
“Market dominance, at both national and corporate levels, may widen technological divides, leaving many developing nations at risk of missing out on its benefits.”
