Global business leader: Infrastructure will define the future – not AI

by Linda

The Olmeca oil refinery is one of Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s infrastructure mega-projects – Copyright Getty Images North America/AFP DAVID MCNEW

Safwan Sobhan, Founder and Chairman of Safwan Bashundhara Global (SBG), has told Digital Journal about the importance of infrastructure in supporting future economies. Sobhan fears that the world risks falling behind as a $15 trillion infrastructure gap threatens to weaken future growth.

Sobhan’s remediation ideas are that without investment in energy, transport, and resilient cities, AI and new technologies cannot reach their full potential. He is also of the view that nations that fail to modernize infrastructure now risk losing talent, capital, and global competitiveness for decades.

Sobhan sees infrastructure as the backbone of every economy, and he knows we may be heading towards a huge shortfall. By 2040, the global gap in infrastructure investment is expected to hit $15 trillion. As the demand for new technologies, climate change and growing populations increases, the world may be set to struggle under the demands of a new economic environment.

By developing the world’s infrastructure, Sobhan places importance on everything from renewable energy hubs to smart cities, countries that prioritize modernisation will attract capital, talent, and technology – while those that fail to invest, risk being left behind.

As he explains: “Technology alone is not enough to secure long-term economic growth. The nations that invest in modern energy centres, sustainable housing, and resilient urban systems will attract skilled workers, generate jobs, and create the conditions for inclusive, sustainable development. It is becoming increasingly apparent that business leaders are not setting out to meet these needs.”

Advanced economies should be looking at low income countries for inspiration, notes Sobhan: “Emerging economies, particularly across Asia and Africa, are navigating infrastructure challenges. It is estimated that by 2050, more than 73 million kilometres of power lines must be added, and electricity infrastructure spending must more than double by 2035. Meanwhile, infrastructure leaders like the UAE are stepping up, having invested approximately $72 billion into renewable energy projects across Africa since 2015.”

Energy poverty and global warming

Infrastructure projects are also necessary address an array of global issues. Sobhan highlights: “As of June 2025, more than a billion people around the world live in energy poverty, meaning they don’t have adequate, reliable, and affordable energy for lighting, cooking, heating, and other daily activities. This leads to the population being less able to cope with climate change, natural disasters, and extreme weather events.”

Another area that requires focus is environmental protection: “The critical role of eco-friendly infrastructure in powering demanding technologies will help combat the climate crisis and give clean power to demanding tech like AI. Renewable energy centres, smart grids, and sustainable transport networks not only combat climate change but also provide the reliable resources tech companies need to thrive. Investing in infrastructure today is an investment in tomorrow’s economy.”

Sobhan sees modernisation as the goal: “Countries that are failing to modernize their infrastructure will be left behind, even if they lead in technology innovation. Strategic investment, forward-looking urban planning, and sustainable energy development are essential for nations seeking to secure their economies for the future.”

Artificial intelligence

There are also opportunities to be garnered from technologies like AI: “Additionally, building and upgrading infrastructure creates opportunities in industries like steel, cement, and construction, driving employment and provides massive opportunities for inclusivity and sustainable growth. Countries that fail to modernize their infrastructure risk missing out on the massive investment opportunities presented by the AI revolution.”

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