Welcome to the forefront of conversational AI as we explore the fascinating world of AI chatbots in our dedicated blog series. Discover the latest advancements, applications, and strategies that propel the evolution of chatbot technology. From enhancing customer interactions to streamlining business processes, these articles delve into the innovative ways artificial intelligence is shaping the landscape of automated conversational agents. Whether you’re a business owner, developer, or simply intrigued by the future of interactive technology, join us on this journey to unravel the transformative power and endless possibilities of AI chatbots.
Progress 2030

Mar 2025 | 6 MIN READ
AI is often associated with improved business efficiency—optimising workflows, driving profits and automating customer-service systems. Recent Economist Impact research, sponsored by G42, “Ready, set, AI: AI readiness in emerging markets”, explored the state of readiness of businesses and found that just 12% consider themselves to be “completely ready”, but more than two-thirds say they are preparing. While businesses are seeing gains in cost savings, productivity and creativity from implementing AI, the potential for AI to do good for ordinary people in emerging and developing countries is less discussed. 
In places where access to essential services like healthcare, banking and government systems is often limited, AI is not just a tool for efficiency but can be a lifeline for millions of people, if used correctly. While AI offers many benefits for businesses and bottom lines, its real power is its transformative potential for ordinary people. AI’s value will ultimately be judged by its ability to transform life for people outside boardrooms and executive suites, and examples of that are already beginning to emerge. From medical chatbots to fintech, AI has the potential to drive equitable progress in places that need it most.
In Europe and the US, AI is already having a substantial impact on healthcare systems with improved patient management. According to Economist Impact’s Health Inclusivity Index, many developing nations, however, have a severe shortage of healthcare professionals, leaving vast, often rural, populations without adequate care. Where this gap exists, AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants are stepping in—providing early diagnosis, mental-health support and medical guidance where doctors are scarce. These tools are low-cost, scalable and available 24/7, making them life-saving solutions for people in need.
In Nigeria, HelpMum, an AI-powered app, developed “MamaBot” to provide expecting and new mothers with medical advice, information and support in local languages, ensuring easier access to essential care. With such a large and dense population, India is leveraging AI-backed systems within the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to monitor data and patterns to predict outbreaks of infectious diseases before they spread.
AI-backed tools are crucial in bridging healthcare gaps in rural areas, where the ratio of doctors to patients is often low, and access to essential diagnostic equipment is limited. In such settings, AI-powered solutions are used to analyse X-rays, blood samples and other medical scans, enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses. For example, in Lesotho, where tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death, the Ministry of Health partnered with Qure.ai to leverage AI technology to detect TB and other chest diseases in X-rays. Lesotho’s medical system suffers from a lack of sufficient staff and about 70% of the population live in rural areas, often at high altitudes that make routine visits by doctors difficult. Now, however, this partnership between the Ministry for Health and Qure.ai has allowed medical professionals to undertake more than 6,000 scans and flag approximately 1,100 cases for further analysis. This early detection can mean the difference between life and death for thousands each year, and has the potential to scale even further. 
Beyond the medical field, AI is also transforming financial accessibility by connecting people to essential banking services in Indonesia. Nearly half of the population in Indonesia are underbanked, meaning they have limited or no access to formal financial institutions. This lack of access makes it difficult for individuals to send, receive or invest money, while also hindering their ability to build credit histories. Without a financial track record, many face challenges in securing rentals, applying for jobs or obtaining low-collateral loans. The impact is particularly pronounced among women and entrepreneurs, especially as micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) continue to grow in the country. Limited banking access stifles economic opportunities and slows financial inclusion, but AI-driven solutions are starting to change this landscape.
AI-powered financial tools are reshaping credit access and filling the gaps where traditional banking systems don’t exist. Our survey found that 80% of respondents in Indonesia say they have consistent and stable internet access and, as a result, mobile apps are key tools in connecting underbanked Indonesians. Apps like Kredivo, a digital credit platform, and AdaKami, a peer-to-peer lending platform, are revolutionising how Indonesians bank by utilising AI to assess creditworthiness, verify data and approve loans within minutes. Kredivo has pledged to prioritise digital financial inclusion and aims to expand its financial services to reach 20m people in South-East Asia. These apps operate primarily on a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) model, providing instant capital for purchases and investments to those who may not otherwise be able to access lines of credit. 
Nonetheless, careful application of these systems and algorithms is needed to ensure that AI-driven lending systems are free from bias and don’t exclude disadvantaged groups or exacerbate existing inequities. Where these issues do exist, platforms like Kiva, a non-profit lending network, aim to counteract these gaps by connecting underserved borrowers with individual lenders via microloans. While borrowers in Indonesia account for about 25% of loan recipients, their loans are reaching entrepreneurs in Paraguay, the Philippines and Cambodia as well.
AI's impact in emerging markets goes beyond convenience and business efficiencies—it catalyses progress, equity and empowerment. Whether it's helping women access life-saving care, expanding financial inclusion or enabling loans for local entrepreneurs, AI for social good is not a futuristic concept—it is already happening.
The challenge is ensuring that AI remains ethical, inclusive and accessible. Partnerships between governments, NGOs and tech companies will be key to responsibly scaling AI solutions, ensuring these tools empower communities. A deliberate and context-appropriate approach to AI implementation is necessary—AI is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and its deployment should be tailored to specific settings where it can make the most meaningful impact and where the benefits can be shared equitably. 
The key challenge will be to build trust.Trust cannot be built overnight, but as AI becomes more integrated into existing systems and people begin to benefit from its efficiencies, buy-in will grow. Establishing trust will require transparency, accountability and inclusive engagement with the communities AI aims to serve.
The more that AI can do for people and the more that people can share in the benefits, the more convincing the case for its integration and investment will be. The future of AI is not just about profit margins—it’s about people. And in the developing world, AI can change lives for the better.

source