IMF Chief Warns AI Boom Could Widen Global Economic Inequality

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has warned that the artificial intelligence boom risks widening economic inequality as some countries struggle to share in its benefits.

Her warning comes as AI investment becomes an increasingly important influence on economic growth.

Uneven Readiness Creates Risks

IMF research identifies significant differences in countries’ ability to adopt AI. Advanced digital infrastructure, skilled workers and strong institutions can help economies integrate the technology into production.

Many emerging and developing economies face weaker readiness, raising the possibility that gains will concentrate in a smaller group of countries and businesses.

The research stresses that technological capability alone does not determine economic benefits. How effectively organisations adopt and use AI also matters.

Investment in Skills and Infrastructure

In earlier remarks, Georgieva called for greater investment in digital infrastructure and wider access to retraining and reskilling.

She also advocated international principles for responsible AI use to help manage risks and expand opportunities.

These priorities reflect a central policy challenge: enabling productivity growth while helping workers and countries adapt to technological change.

Growth Potential Comes With Uncertainty

AI could improve productivity, but the scale and distribution of its benefits remain uncertain.

The IMF’s analysis highlights the need to assess employment, financial stability and inequality together as adoption advances.