Artificial intelligence investment is helping support global growth near 3%, but IMF research suggests about 40% of jobs worldwide are exposed to AI-driven transformation.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva told Reuters that AI infrastructure investment is acting as both a demand and investment shock. The IMF’s July 2026 outlook projected global growth of 3.0% in 2026 and 3.4% in 2027, while warning that benefits and risks are uneven.
Why Asia is central to the AI boom
Georgieva said AI could add between 0.5 and 1.0 percentage point to growth in advanced Asian economies and between 0.2 and 0.8 point in emerging Asian economies. Hardware suppliers and countries connected to the technology value chain may benefit first.
Does 40% exposure mean 40% of jobs will disappear?
No. IMF research defines exposure as the potential for AI to change tasks or employment outcomes. In advanced economies, around 60% of jobs are exposed, compared with about 40% in emerging markets and 26% in low-income countries. Some exposed jobs may become more productive, while others could face weaker hiring or lower labour demand.
IMF skills research also points to pressure on entry-level roles. The right search phrase is IMF AI boom and jobs, not a claim that AI will eliminate every graduate job.
NewesInfo has more context in its AI infrastructure report and China AI policy update.
Sources: Reuters IMF report · IMF World Economic Outlook Update · IMF AI exposure analysis