The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could worsen unemployment in Nigeria and other developing countries unless governments and businesses invest in digital skills, infrastructure and job creation.

The IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, raised the concern during the Small AI: More and Better Jobs event at the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.

Georgieva described artificial intelligence as a “slow-moving tsunami,” warning that the technology could augment, downgrade or eliminate about 40 per cent of jobs globally, although its effects would vary across countries and occupations.

She stressed the need for governments to understand the implications of AI for labour markets and equip workers with the skills required to adapt to changing workplace demands.

World Bank Group President, Ajay Banga, said the institution’s priority was to ensure that economic development translated into employment opportunities.

World Bank Advocates Affordable AI SolutionsBanga said affordable and practical AI applications could transform essential services, including education, healthcare and agriculture, particularly in developing economies.

Nigeria Among Africa’s Leading AI CentresThe World Bank’s October 2026 Africa Economic Update identifies Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa as some of Africa’s leading centres of AI activity.

However, the report notes that AI adoption across the continent remains at an early stage, highlighting opportunities to develop affordable solutions that address local challenges.

It identifies agriculture, education, healthcare, finance, logistics and public administration as key sectors where AI could improve productivity and service delivery.

For Nigeria, the challenge is to strengthen these foundations and ensure that AI contributes to productive employment rather than intensifying existing labour-market pressures.