IMF Chief: AI Investment Is Keeping Global Growth Around 3%, With Major Benefits for Asia

What happened

Georgieva told hundreds of participants that the AI investment boom was already delivering a demand shock and an investment shock that could boost growth in advanced Asian economies by half to one full percentage point, and emerging Asian economies by 0.2 to 0.8 percentage point. She said the shift into higher gear is keeping the world economy growing at around 3%, despite a drag from the energy supply shock.

The IMF in July forecast global growth at 3% in 2026 and will release an updated outlook on Tuesday, October 13. Some 18,000 people are expected to attend this week's meetings in Bangkok, including finance officials from the IMF's 191 members.

On jobs, Georgieva said IMF research shows some 40% of jobs will be augmented, downgraded or eliminated by AI over time, and as high as 60% in advanced economies; an initial study showed 10% of jobs in the US already required AI skills. She said routine, repetitive jobs were shrinking while low-paying jobs were increasing in construction and data centers, and described AI's consequences for jobs, taxation and education as a slow-moving tsunami.

Key facts

1. Global growth: The IMF's July forecast put 2026 global growth at 3%; Georgieva said AI investment is keeping growth at that level, with an updated outlook due October 13.
2. Asia boost: AI investment could add 0.5 to 1 percentage point to growth in advanced Asian economies and 0.2 to 0.8 point in emerging Asian economies.
3. Jobs: The IMF estimates about 40% of jobs will be augmented, downgraded or eliminated by AI, up to 60% in advanced economies; 10% of US jobs already require AI skills.
4. The meetings: The IMF and World Bank meetings run for a week in Bangkok, with about 18,000 expected attendees from 191 member countries.