AI is transforming the global economy, with the potential to add up to $19.9 trillion to global GDP by 2030 and boost productivity by 1.5 percentage points annually. Generative AI alone could contribute $4.4 trillion per year, slashing costs by up to 80% and reshaping industries worldwide. Developed nations like the US and China lead the way due to strong infrastructure and heavy investments, while countries like India and South Africa are leveraging affordable AI models to build localised solutions in fields like agriculture and healthcare. Despite this, adoption remains uneven—60% in advanced economies vs. just 26% in low-income ones—due to infrastructure gaps and limited access to AI chips. Automation threatens low-cost jobs in emerging markets, potentially weakening their trade advantage. However, AI is creating entirely new markets and job opportunities, with a net gain of 78 million jobs projected by 2030. Governments are responding with digital infrastructure investments and training programs to capitalise on AI’s potential, especially in education, healthcare, and agriculture, where smart technologies are driving sustainable development.
