  Artificial intelligence is becoming more widely available in all parts of the
world. This has created many previously unforeseen possibilities for addressing
the challenges outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals in the Global
South. However, the use of AI in such contexts brings with it a unique set of
risks and challenges. Among these are the potential for Governments to use such
technologies to suppress their own people, and the ethical questions arising
from implementing AI primarily designed and developed in the Global North into
vastly different social, cultural, and political environments in the Global
South. This paper examines the key issues and questions arising in the emerging
sub-field of AI for global development (AI4D) and the potential and risks
associated with using such technologies in the Global South. We propose that
although there are many risks associated with the use of AI, the potential
benefits are enough to warrant detailed research and investigation of the most
appropriate and effective ways to design, develop, implement, and use such
technologies in the Global South. We conclude by calling for the wider ICT4D
community to continue to conduct detailed research and investigation of all
aspects of AI4D.
