Google and the World Bank Group have partnered to accelerate digital transformation across emerging markets, using artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen access to essential services.
By integrating Google Cloud’s Gemini AI models with the World Bank Group’s development expertise, the initiative will allow citizens to interact with digital services in over 40 languages, including through low-end mobile devices.
The initiative represents a major step toward building a ‘digital commons’ that empowers governments, businesses, and citizens to collaborate, innovate, and deliver services efficiently in the AI era.
The partnership aims to deploy Open Network Stacks, which is a digital framework that functions as shared public infrastructure to help governments quickly build interoperable systems for critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and workforce development.
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The alliance builds on a successful pro bono pilot in Uttar Pradesh, India, where the deployment of AI-enabled digital tools helped thousands of smallholder farmers improve productivity and profitability.
“This collaboration is about building inclusive, AI-powered infrastructure that helps countries leapfrog into a more connected digital economy,” said a World Bank official familiar with the initiative.
To ensure long-term sustainability and openness, Google.org; the philanthropic arm of Google, is providing funding to a new nonprofit called Networks for Humanity (NFH).
NFH will develop universal digital infrastructure leveraging the Beckn open network and Finternet asset tokenisation technologies.
The organisation will also establish regional innovation labs and pilot social impact applications around the world.
The move aligns with broader global efforts to promote equitable access to AI and digital public goods, positioning emerging markets to harness technology for inclusive growth.
