Imf: AI could boost global economic growth by 0.5 percentage points annually

On October 10, 2026, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in its latest report. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva emphasized that AI is reshaping the global economy, creating both positive demand shocks and negative supply shocks from geopolitical tensions. She noted that the overall impact of these forces is highly uneven across the world. Georgieva stated that global investment in AI now accounts for more than 10% of total goods trade and is expected to rise further. The IMF estimates that if AI is implemented effectively, it could increase global economic growth by 0.5 percentage points annually. Over a decade, this could add an economy the size of Southeast Asia. The report also warned that widespread adoption of AI is critical to maximizing its benefits. However, the transition from AI development to its economic impact could pose significant risks to financial stability.