IMF Chief Warns AI Is a ‘Slow-Moving Tsunami’ for Global Jobs

Bangkok — Artificial intelligence is keeping the world economy growing, but it could also shake up jobs around the world. That was the warning from Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, at the weeklong IMF and World Bank meetings in Bangkok on Monday, October 12, 2026.

“AI, love it, hate it. It’s already here,” Georgieva said. She added that the shift into higher gear is keeping the world economy growing at around 3 percent, even as an energy supply shock drags it down.

The 3 percent figure came from an IMF forecast made in July. An updated projection was due on Tuesday, October 13.

A “slow-moving tsunami”

At the same time, Georgieva warned of a “slow-moving tsunami” that could upend labor markets, taxation and education. IMF research shows that about 40 percent of jobs will be touched by AI — improved, downgraded or eliminated. In rich, advanced economies, that number could reach 60 percent.

Routine, repetitive jobs are already declining, she said. But low-paying jobs are growing in areas like construction and data centers — the giant buildings full of computers that power AI systems.

Jobs now need AI skills

One study showed that 10 percent of jobs in the United States now require AI skills. Workers who can use AI tools are in growing demand, while those who cannot risk being left behind.

The change is not only about jobs. As machines replace human workers, governments may earn less from income taxes and more from taxes on capital and company profits. Georgieva said countries must prepare for this shift now, because it changes how states pay for schools, hospitals and roads.

Education must catch up

Georgieva also pointed to schools and universities. If 40 to 60 percent of jobs change, education systems must teach the skills the AI economy needs — and retrain workers whose jobs disappear.

Low-income workers hit hardest

A separate PYMNTS report from April found that while AI is appearing in every type of workplace, low-income workers get less training, feel less confident about the changes and have smaller financial savings to handle disruption.

The message from Bangkok was clear: AI brings growth today, but governments, schools and businesses must act now to protect workers from the wave that is coming.

Georgieva’s message was aimed at finance ministers and central bankers gathered in Bangkok. She said rich and poor countries face the same choice: use AI to lift growth, or let it deepen the gap between those who have skills and those who do not.

The IMF was due to release its updated global growth forecast on Tuesday, October 13. Georgieva said AI investment was already showing up in strong company earnings and stock markets, but warned that paper gains mean little if workers are left behind.