The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could affect about 40 per cent of jobs globally, urging governments to prepare workers for changes in the labour market.
Georgieva spoke during a panel session titled “Small Scale AI: More and Better Jobs” at the ongoing 2026 IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.
Describing AI as a “slow-moving tsunami” for the labour market, she said the technology could transform jobs, downgrade some roles or eliminate others.
According to her, IMF estimates indicate that AI could affect about 60 per cent of jobs in advanced economies, compared with 23 per cent in low-income countries. She explained that the lower exposure in poorer countries reflected slower AI adoption rather than greater protection from its effects.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
Georgieva said AI was already stimulating investment and economic activity through the construction of data centres and the development of AI models, with the United States, China and India emerging as major producers of the technology.
She noted that investments in AI infrastructure were helping sustain global economic growth at about three per cent despite disruptions caused by energy supply shocks.
However, she said future benefits would depend largely on how effectively countries adopted the technology, stressing the need for reliable electricity, digital infrastructure, appropriate skills and effective government safeguards.
The IMF chief cited estimates showing that AI could increase growth in advanced Asian economies by between 0.5 and one percentage point, while emerging Asian economies could record additional growth of between 0.2 and 0.8 percentage points.
On employment, Georgieva said an IMF study in the United States found that about 10 per cent of jobs already required advanced AI skills, with such positions generally attracting higher wages.
She added that routine and repetitive jobs were declining, while employment was increasing in lower-paying areas, including data centre construction and related services.
Although the study found a positive net employment impact in the areas examined, she expressed concern that much of the employment growth was concentrated in lower-paying jobs.
Georgieva identified young people entering the labour market as particularly vulnerable, warning that the decline of routine entry-level positions could limit opportunities for graduates and other young workers to gain experience and advance their careers.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
She urged governments to monitor labour market trends, reform education systems to promote lifelong learning and review tax policies as AI changes the balance between labour and capital.
According to her, greater reliance on capital and reduced dependence on human labour could affect government revenue and limit public resources available to support workers through the transition.
Georgieva expressed hope that AI would take over undesirable tasks, allowing people to benefit from higher productivity, improved living standards and meaningful social participation.
“Get AI to do all the stuff we don’t want to do, and let us enjoy the things we love to do,” she said, advocating a future that combines productivity gains with human dignity.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s delegation to the 2026 IMF Annual Meetings is being led by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele.
The meetings are expected to focus on building a balanced and resilient global economy capable of withstanding economic shocks and promoting sustainable development.
The IMF is also expected to release its World Economic Outlook and Global Financial Stability Report during the meetings.