IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated that AI is expected to impact approximately 40% of jobs globally. She noted that while AI supports economic growth, it may augment, downgrade, or eliminate positions.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has stated that the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is expected to affect approximately 40% of jobs worldwide. Georgieva made these remarks during the IMF and World Bank’s annual meetings in Bangkok on Monday, October 12, 2026.
According to Georgieva, AI will fundamentally transform labour markets. She explained that the technology could lead to jobs being "augmented, downgraded or eliminated." This does not necessarily mean that 40% of workers will lose their employment; rather, some employees may become more productive using AI tools, while others may see their responsibilities reduced as software takes over tasks previously handled by people.
The IMF chief noted that approximately 23% of jobs in developing countries were expected to be affected by AI. Earlier research from the IMF found that around 60% of jobs in advanced economies could be exposed to AI, compared with 40% in emerging markets and 26% in low-income countries.
Georgieva identified the United States, China and India as the three most important AI producers. She stated that investments in the technology are helping keep global economic growth at around 3 per cent. She described the rapid expansion of AI as both a demand shock and an investment shock, noting that companies are spending heavily on AI infrastructure, computing resources and related technologies.
The benefits of AI are expected to extend beyond the countries developing the systems. According to Georgieva, AI could increase economic growth in advanced Asian economies by 0.5 to 1 percentage point. Emerging Asian economies could see gains ranging from 0.2 to 0.8 percentage points. This growth could benefit countries involved in manufacturing chips, electronic components and other equipment required to operate AI systems.
Georgieva urged governments to reassess their education systems and place greater emphasis on education to prepare workers for the changes ahead. She expressed particular concern about young people entering the workforce, especially those seeking jobs involving routine and repetitive tasks.
Additionally, the IMF chief warned that AI-driven changes in labour markets could affect government tax revenues.
The IMF's assessment highlights the dual nature of AI's impact on the global economy. While the technology is driving investment and supporting growth rates of around 3 per cent, it poses significant challenges to labour markets. The disparity in exposure between advanced economies (60%) and low-income countries (26%) suggests that the economic benefits and disruptions of AI will be unevenly distributed. Governments face the challenge of adapting education systems and tax structures to accommodate these shifts.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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