AI investment keeps global growth around 3%, says IMF

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 12, 2026

The IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated that investments in AI infrastructure are boosting global economic growth to around 3%, particularly benefiting advanced and emerging Asian economies involved in hardware production. This surge in AI adoption is expected to raise growth rates by up to 1 percentage point in these regions while also transforming labor markets and prompting calls for policies to manage its impact on employment and inequality.

Investment in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure is supporting global economic growth at around 3%, according to International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. Speaking on Monday at the start of the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, Georgieva highlighted the significant impact that AI-related investments are having, particularly benefiting several Asian economies involved in hardware production, including Thailand.

The surge in AI investment is generating both demand and capital expenditures, which Georgieva said could increase growth rates in advanced Asian economies by 0.5 to 1 percentage point. Emerging Asian economies are also expected to see gains, ranging from 0.2 to 0.8 percentage points. Despite ongoing challenges such as the global energy supply shock, this momentum is helping to sustain global growth near the 3% level forecast by the IMF for 2026. An updated economic outlook is scheduled for release on Tuesday.

Describing AI as a “slow-moving tsunami,” Georgieva emphasized the technology’s broad implications across sectors, including employment, education, and government revenue systems. The IMF estimates that AI could augment, downgrade, or eliminate up to 40% of current jobs over time. Initial studies suggest that about 10% of jobs in the United States already require AI-related skills. While routine and repetitive tasks are declining, some lower-paying jobs in sectors like construction and data centers are increasing.

Georgieva noted that the United States, China, and India are the primary producers in the AI supply chain, but many companies responsible for building AI infrastructure are based in Asia. Highlighting AI’s transformative nature, she mentioned how an AI assistant helps her manage her daily schedule efficiently.

World Bank President Ajay Banga, also speaking at the event, outlined the institution’s focus on “small AI” applications that do not rely on large language models. These technologies aim to boost productivity in agriculture, healthcare, and education across emerging markets.

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam raised concerns regarding AI’s potential impacts on job prospects for recent graduates, noting that entry-level demand is diminishing. He warned that without proactive measures, AI could deepen disparities in growth and employment between developing and advanced countries. “AI is going to widen the divergence if we are too passive about it,” he said, urging governments to prioritize creating quality jobs that allow workers to advance despite technological changes.

The weeklong meetings in Bangkok are expected to draw approximately 18,000 participants, including finance officials from the IMF’s 191 member countries. However, some top ministers, such as US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Spanish Finance Minister Arcadi España, are reportedly skipping the event to focus on domestic issues.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.