Behind the buzz: What AI really looks like in emerging markets
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to shape global conversations, often centered on disruption and risk, startups in emerging markets are charting a different path. At BFA Global, we investigated how these ventures are engaging with AI, particularly generative AI (GenAI), through a combination of AI-assisted research and conversations with founders across our programs and accelerators. What we found challenges prevailing narratives: rather than seeking to replace workers or automate entire roles, most startups are using AI to bridge critical gaps, expand capacity, improve service delivery, and address infrastructure constraints. Often, these constraints themselves become catalysts for innovation, pushing founders to leapfrog traditional approaches and craft locally grounded, high-impact solutions.
This report captures those insights and introduces a practical framework to better understand the evolving AI landscape in emerging markets.
