IMF Says AI Investment Is Supporting Global Growth, but Jobs Face Major Changes
Artificial intelligence investment is helping sustain global economic growth despite rising energy costs and international uncertainty, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, the organisation has warned that AI could significantly transform employment, especially for workers entering the job market.
Speaking at the annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Bangkok on Monday, October 12, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said strong investment in AI infrastructure was supporting global growth of approximately 3%.
The IMF chief highlighted opportunities for Asian economies involved in producing the hardware needed to develop artificial intelligence systems.
At the same time, policymakers raised concerns about employment, inequality and the growing economic divide between countries that can benefit from AI and those that cannot.
AI Investment Helps Keep Global Growth Near 3%
Artificial intelligence has become an important source of investment worldwide.
Technology companies are spending heavily on data centres, advanced processors, cloud computing and other infrastructure required to develop AI systems.
According to the IMF, this spending is creating demand across several industries.
Businesses involved in manufacturing computer chips, building data centres and supplying electricity can benefit from increased investment.
Georgieva said the AI investment boom was helping the global economy maintain growth near 3%, even as energy supply disruptions created additional pressure.
In July, the IMF forecast global economic growth of 3% for 2026.
The organisation is expected to release an updated economic outlook during its annual meetings.
Asian Economies Could Benefit From the AI Boom
The IMF identified Asia as an important beneficiary of expanding AI investment.
Several Asian economies manufacture electronic components, semiconductors and other products used in advanced computing.
The demand for AI infrastructure could provide additional economic opportunities.
According to Georgieva, AI-related investment could increase growth in advanced Asian economies by approximately 0.5 to 1 percentage point.
Emerging Asian economies could experience an additional growth contribution of 0.2 to 0.8 percentage points.
These estimates reflect potential economic benefits rather than guaranteed outcomes.
The impact will depend on investment levels, productivity improvements and each country’s ability to participate in AI-related industries.
Thailand was among the economies highlighted for its role in hardware supply chains.
IMF Warns AI Could Transform 40% of Jobs
While AI investment offers economic benefits, it also raises concerns about employment.
The IMF estimates that approximately 40% of jobs worldwide are exposed to changes associated with artificial intelligence.
This does not mean that 40% of workers will automatically lose their jobs.
Instead, AI may change the tasks people perform, the skills employers require and the way businesses operate.
Some occupations could become more productive through AI assistance.
Others may face reduced demand for certain tasks.
Workers whose jobs involve repetitive digital activities may experience significant changes as automation improves.
The IMF also highlighted concerns about entry-level employment opportunities.
Companies may increasingly use AI tools to perform tasks traditionally assigned to junior employees.
This could make it harder for some young workers to gain experience and enter certain industries.
Why AI Is Changing the Global Economy
Artificial intelligence is expanding beyond technology companies.
Businesses are increasingly using AI systems for customer support, data analysis, software development and business operations.
The technology can process large amounts of information and assist with complex tasks.
For example, companies may use AI to analyse sales trends, improve logistics or automate routine administrative work.
These applications can help businesses reduce operating costs and improve productivity.
However, adopting AI also requires investment.
Companies may need computing infrastructure, employee training, cybersecurity protection and reliable data systems.
Smaller businesses can face challenges because they have fewer financial and technical resources.
The economic benefits of AI may therefore vary considerably between industries and countries.
World Bank Highlights Opportunities for Developing Countries
The World Bank has also emphasised the potential of artificial intelligence in developing economies.
World Bank President Ajay Banga highlighted the importance of practical, smaller-scale AI applications.
Such tools can help businesses and public services improve efficiency without requiring enormous computing systems.
Agriculture and healthcare are two areas where AI could provide useful benefits.
In agriculture, AI-powered tools may help farmers monitor crops, analyse weather conditions and improve resource management.
In healthcare, AI applications may assist professionals with administrative work, medical information and service delivery.
However, these systems still require appropriate human oversight, reliable information and safeguards.
Developing countries will also need digital infrastructure and workforce training to benefit from the technology.
AI Growth Creates New Challenges for Workers
The rapid expansion of AI is changing the skills employers value.
Technical knowledge remains important, but workers may also need stronger analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Employees who understand how to use AI tools effectively could benefit from new opportunities.
At the same time, workers in vulnerable occupations may require additional training.
Governments and educational institutions face pressure to prepare people for changing labour markets.
Possible responses include digital education, professional retraining and improved access to technology.
Policymakers must also consider how AI affects income inequality.
If productivity gains are concentrated among a small number of companies or highly skilled workers, the economic benefits may not be distributed evenly.
Global Energy Costs Remain a Concern
The IMF’s comments come during a period of uncertainty in international energy markets.
Conflict in the Middle East and disruptions to energy supplies have increased concerns about global inflation.
Higher energy costs can affect manufacturing, transportation and household spending.
AI infrastructure also requires substantial electricity.
Large data centres need reliable power supplies to operate advanced computing equipment.
As AI investment expands, electricity demand may become an increasingly important consideration for governments and technology companies.
Energy availability, infrastructure development and operating costs could influence where new AI facilities are built.
These factors may affect how quickly different economies can expand their AI industries.
What Happens Next for AI and Global Growth?
The IMF and World Bank meetings in Bangkok are expected to focus on economic growth, technology investment and financial stability.
The IMF will release an updated assessment of the global economic outlook.
Policymakers will also examine how artificial intelligence could affect productivity, employment and economic inequality.
For technology companies, demand for AI infrastructure remains a major investment opportunity.
For governments, the challenge is ensuring that economic benefits reach businesses and workers across different sectors.
The IMF’s latest assessment suggests that AI is already influencing global growth.
However, its longer-term economic impact will depend on how countries manage investment, education, infrastructure and workforce changes.