IMF Says AI Investments Help Sustain Global Growth at 3% Despite Energy Shocks

Key summary

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated that a surge in artificial intelligence investments is supporting global economic growth of approximately 3%, even as the world faces an energy supply shock. Speaking in Bangkok during the IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings, she noted that AI infrastructure spending creates significant demand for Asian economies manufacturing the necessary hardware, including Thailand. The institution estimates this boom could add between 0.2 and 0.8 percentage points to growth in emerging Asian economies while advanced economies see a boost of 0.5 to 1 percentage point. However, Georgieva warned that AI may eventually alter or eliminate up to 40% of jobs, necessitating careful policy responses regarding skills development and digital infrastructure adoption.