Accra:The widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is contributing to significant economic gains globally, but much of the profit remains concentrated among firms controlling technology design and intellectual property. While AI production encompasses a broad global supply chain, the high-value stages of this chain see the most financial benefits, as noted by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

According to Anadolu Agency, AI-related goods, including chips and servers, are projected to account for one-sixth of global trade in goods by 2025, contributing 42% of the sector's value-based growth, as forecasted by the World Trade Organization (WTO). The AI server production process involves steps from mining to semiconductors, and energy to cooling systems, with countries deriving varying economic benefits from their roles in this chain.

Countries such as Chile and Peru are involved in supplying raw materials, whereas South Korea and Taiwan lead in semiconductor manufacturing, and Malaysia and Mexico focus on final assembly. Despite their contributions, nations providing raw materials receive only a small portion of the economic value of the final AI products. For example, the value of raw materials like silicon, copper, and tin used in advanced server systems accounts for merely 0.2% of the final sales price.

UNCTAD's analysis of the Nvidia GB200 NVL72 server system, valued at around $3.3 million, highlights the disparity. Of the $2.92 million tracked in value, 68% was profit, primarily benefiting Nvidia, which designs the chips but outsources manufacturing. Only 4.3% of the value went to workers involved in physical production, while non-physical roles such as corporate managers and engineers captured 9.9%, resulting in a total labor share of just 14.2%.

The report emphasizes that while the AI boom has increased mineral exports from developing countries, it has not significantly increased their share of the generated wealth. UNCTAD's 'Trade and Development Report 2026' suggests that developing nations should focus on enhancing local suppliers and skilled labor rather than solely attracting foreign investment, given the high capital requirements and geopolitical challenges associated with penetrating top tiers of AI component production.