New YBI policy paper calls for global action to unlock AI’s potential for young entrepreneurs

Youth Business International (YBI) has launched a new policy paper, Harnessing AI and Digital Solutions to Empower Young Entrepreneurs, calling for urgent global action to ensure artificial intelligence (AI) empowers all young entrepreneurs — not just the digitally privileged.

As AI rapidly transforms economies and industries, YBI’s paper highlights both the extraordinary opportunities and the urgent risks facing young entrepreneurs, particularly those in underserved contexts. It argues that AI risks deepening inequality and leaving millions of young entrepreneurs behind. However, with urgent action, it could instead democratise entrepreneurship — lowering barriers to entry, expanding access to global markets, and fuelling inclusive economic growth.

YBI sets out six key recommendations to prevent an impeding catastrophe and instead make AI a true force for empowerment of young entrepreneurs worldwide:

• Expand affordable digital infrastructure so every young entrepreneur can access reliable internet and compete.
• Embed AI education and digital literacy into schools, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programmes.
• Integrate AI support and mentorship into incubators, accelerators, and youth enterprise networks.
• Create SME-friendly AI regulation that enables safe innovation and experimentation.
• Invest in localised AI solutions built on regional data and languages to improve relevance for businesses in the Global South.
• Foster global collaboration and knowledge sharing by building regional hubs and cross-border learning networks to close the AI skills gap.

The paper also spotlights YBI’s AI Accelerator Curriculum, which equips young entrepreneurs with practical, low-cost AI tools to grow their businesses, and showcases an example of YBI member BYEAH’s work in Bangladesh, where AI is helping youth-led enterprises to scale and create impact.

“AI can be a great equaliser for young entrepreneurs, but only if access, education, and opportunity keep pace with innovation,” said Anita Tiessen, CEO of YBI. “We must act now to ensure no young entrepreneur is left behind.”

YBI calls on governments, civil society, and the private sector to join forces in building an inclusive, AI-ready future where every young entrepreneur can thrive.

Read the full policy paper: Harnessing AI and Digital Solutions to Empower Young Entrepreneurs.