Brazil poised to become AI investment hub, says World Economic Forum and Web Summit leaders

Cathy Li, head of the Centre for AI Excellence at the World Economic Forum, told the Davos meeting that Brazil has a unique combination of economic scale, talent, data and renewable‑energy resources that gives it a competitive edge in attracting artificial‑intelligence investment across Latin America. A Forum‑McKinsey report estimates AI could add US$ 1.1‑1.7 trillion to the region’s economy each year, especially in agriculture, energy, mining and tourism. Li warned that policy clarity, regulation and incentives are needed to translate potential into impact.

At the Web Summit Rio, Artur Pereira, director of the event, said Brazil is “ahead of the curve”, citing the Pix instant‑payment system as a showcase of rapid, cost‑free digital adoption that surprised the global market. He noted a surge in solo‑founder AI‑driven startups and growing foreign investor interest, supported by recent public infrastructure and AI investment announcements. Both speakers highlighted Brazil’s high share of renewable electricity (about 88 %) as a further draw for firms pursuing zero‑emission goals.