IsDB Stakeholders Discuss Using AI to Boost Digital Economies in Member Countries

Sunday Okobi in Baku, Azerbaijan

Senior stakeholders and experts at this year’s Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, examined how artificial intelligence and shared digital infrastructure could accelerate inclusive growth, strengthen digital public infrastructure (DPI), and close emerging gaps in compute capacity and AI readiness across IsDB Member Countries (MCs).

The knowledge‑sharing event, titled “Harnessing AI for Advancing Regional Digital Economies,” brought together senior stakeholders and technical experts. IsDB Director‑General of Country Programmes, Mr. Anasse Aissami, stressed that the Bank’s approach to artificial intelligence is not a standalone technology agenda but a shared capability framework. It is intended to help MCs move from fragmented pilots toward scalable, trusted digital platforms that can be deployed across sectors and borders.

In his remarks, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Mr. Samaddin Asadov, highlighted the country’s ongoing efforts to become a regional digital hub. He cited the expansion of innovation ecosystems, the strengthening of digital infrastructure, and support for technology‑driven economic activity. He added that AI can act as a catalyst across these priorities by boosting productivity, opening new digital markets, enhancing enterprise competitiveness, and improving the efficiency of public service delivery.