Information Brief: USAID’s Use of Artificial Intelligence in Foreign Assistance

USAID is leaning into artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies to enhance the Agency’s ability to carry out its foreign assistance mandate around the world. According to the Agency, “promising applications funded by USAID are proliferating across various geographies and sectors, including agriculture, health and infectious diseases, civic spaces and democracy, education … and humanitarian assistance.” 

This information brief describes USAID’s approach to using AI in foreign assistance programs as well as the associated benefits and risks of expanded AI use. We prepared this brief using public and nonpublic information.