{
  "id": 16044794,
  "title": "IMF, OECD warn AI could widen rich-poor country divide",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/imf-oecd-warn-ai-could-widen-rich-poor-country-divide-16044794",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-22T12:20:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40445460/imf-oecd-warn-ai-could-widen-rich-poor-country-divide"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The IMF and OECD warn that artificial intelligence could exacerbate the divide between rich and poor countries unless access to necessary resources improves. Massive investment in AI infrastructure has supported global growth, but concerns remain over companies' ability to generate returns amid rising borrowing costs. Era Dabla-Norris, deputy director of the IMF's Fiscal Affairs Department, expressed concern that many developing economies may struggle to adopt and diffuse AI effectively. The IMF estimates that AI could add 0.5% to annual global growth over the medium term, while the OECD estimates a range of 0.4% to 1.2% for its member countries. However, the actual productivity gains from AI adoption have been less impressive so far. Stefano Scarpetta, chief economist at the OECD, noted that AI's workplace use is lagging behind consumer use, with limited adoption in core business functions. The IMF estimates that about 40% of jobs worldwide could be exposed to AI, with younger and entry-level workers potentially at risk of losing their jobs to AI. Companies such as Barclays, eBay, and Qualcomm have announced job cuts as they seek to reduce costs and improve returns by leveraging AI technology.",
  "summary": "Artificial intelligence could boost global growth, but poorer countries, smaller companies and younger workers risk missing out unless access to power, digital infrastructure and skills improves, according to officials from the IMF and OECD. The warning comes as massive investment in chips and AI infrastructure has helped support global growth and drive stock markets to record highs, while…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "CNA - Business",
        "title": "IMF, OECD warn AI could widen rich-poor country divide",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/imf-oecd-warn-ai-could-widen-rich-poor-country-divide",
        "published": "2026-10-22T10:41:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}