IMF chief: AI development and energy situation lead to higher inflation

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies can annually contribute to global economic growth, said the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva. At the same time, she called AI among the reasons for the rise in inflation, and also expressed fears that AI could get out of human control.

According to Ms. Georgieva, “with the right approach” AI over time can bring the global economy growth to half a percentage point per year. Growth from 3% to 3.5% in a decade is equivalent to joining the global economy of an economy the size of ASEAN. The volume of global investment in AI as a percentage of GDP will reach and probably exceed the amount invested in the construction of railways, electricity networks or telecommunications networks, the head of the IMF said at a speech in Singapore.

However, the development of AI, as well as high energy prices, increased rates of customs duties and defense spending lead to an increase in inflation, said Kristalina Georgieva. In addition, AI can lead to massive job cuts. The head of the IMF called for the introduction of “regulatory restrictions” when dealing with AI. "This will help... “To cope with its serious consequences, which include large-scale losses in the labor market, serious threats to cybersecurity and stability, as well as advanced models that can get out of human control and begin to operate uncontrollably,” she said.

In a July report, the IMF said the global economy showed resilience in 2026. The impact of the conflict in the Middle East has been limited: rising commodity prices have not led to a sharp deterioration in the global outlook. Geopolitical risks have partially offset the boom in the tech sector, with demand for AI technology continuing to grow, supporting investment and trade in the US and China.

Details - in the material "Kommersant" "Between the war and the AI boom".