{"id":23321,"date":"2026-02-04T15:48:32","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T13:48:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jhb-webdevelopers\/channelafrica\/news\/imf-chief-urges-policymakers-to-prepare-for-ais-economic-disruption-opportunities\/"},"modified":"2026-02-27T16:34:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T14:34:08","slug":"imf-chief-urges-policymakers-to-prepare-for-ais-economic-disruption-opportunities","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/news\/imf-chief-urges-policymakers-to-prepare-for-ais-economic-disruption-opportunities\/","title":{"rendered":"IMF Chief urges policymakers to prepare for AI\u2019s economic disruption, opportunities"},"content":{"rendered":"

Georgieva urged governments to adopt policies that <\/span>both<\/span> harness the technology\u2019s benefits <\/span>and protect<\/span> workers at risk of being left behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Speaking at the World Government Summit dialogue on \u201cLeveraging Artificial Intelligence and Enhancing Countries\u2019 Preparedness\u201d in Dubai on Tuesday, Georgieva praised the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for emerging as a fast\u2011growing global hub for AI development. She pointed to a recent Microsoft study indicating that 64% of the UAE\u2019s working\u2011age population uses AI, the highest rate worldwide.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThis illustrates the dynamism we see in the region,\u201d she said, noting the scale of investment and partnerships the Gulf has attracted from major technology companies. <\/span>She added that Gulf Cooperation Council countries have spent decades investing in human capital, positioning themselves well to benefit from <\/span>AI\u2019s<\/span> transformative potential.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Georgieva highlighted IMF estimates showing that, with supportive policies in place, AI could boost global productivity by up to 0.8 percentage points per year, pushing growth above pre\u2011pandemic levels.<\/span><\/p>\n

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In the Gulf region, she said, the gains could be significantly higher.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAI could boost non\u2011oil GDP in Gulf countries by up to 2.8%,\u201d she said. \u201cFor economies long dependent on hydrocarbon exports, this is an enormous opportunity to diversify and build new sources of growth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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While emphasising AI\u2019s potential, Georgieva warned of major labour market disruption. \u201cOn average, 40% of jobs globally will be impacted by AI, either upgraded, transformed or eliminated,\u201d she said. \u201cFor advanced economies, the figure rises to 60%. This is like a tsunami hitting the labour market.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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She noted that one in <\/span>10<\/span> job postings in advanced economies already <\/span>requires<\/span> at least one new <\/span>AI\u2011related<\/span> skill.<\/span> Workers with those skills may see wage and productivity gains, with knock\u2011on benefits for lower\u2011skilled service workers. <\/span>However, <\/span>middle\u2011skilled<\/span> jobs face the greatest pressure, and young people and <\/span>middle\u2011class<\/span> workers <\/span>could<\/span> be hardest hit.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Georgieva cautioned that AI could widen global inequality unless proactive measures are taken. Countries with strong digital infrastructure, skilled labour forces and effective regulatory systems will benefit most. Those without such foundations may struggle to keep pace.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAI looks unstoppable,\u201d she said. \u201cBut whether countries can capitalise on <\/span>its<\/span> promise depends on the policy regimes they put in place.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Georgieva outlined three priorities for governments seeking to leverage AI responsibly and effectively:<\/span><\/p>\n

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