IMF and OECD warn AI could widen the development divide

The IMF estimates that AI could add as much as 0.5 percentage points to annual global growth, while the OECD sees annual productivity gains of 0.4% to 1.2% across its members. The upside depends on access to computing, reliable electricity, digital infrastructure and skills.

The institutions warned that economies and firms without those foundations could capture less of the benefit. The IMF also estimates that around 40% of jobs worldwide are exposed to AI, with younger workers among those facing transition risks.