IMF warns 40% of global workforce could be affected by AI

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could affect approximately 40 per cent of jobs globally, urging governments to prepare workers for major labour market changes.

According to The ICIR, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva disclosed this during the 2026 IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday.

Georgieva described AI as a “slow-moving tsunami”, warning that the technology could transform, downgrade or eliminate existing jobs.

She explained that approximately 60 per cent of jobs in advanced economies and 23 per cent in low-income countries could be affected.

The IMF chief stressed that developing countries must invest in electricity, digital infrastructure, education and technological skills to benefit from AI.

She also warned that young people entering the workforce faced significant risks as routine entry-level positions declined.

Georgieva urged governments to promote lifelong learning and introduce policies supporting workers.

“Get AI to do all the stuff we don’t want to do and let us enjoy the things we love to do.”