AI and Jobs in the Emerging and Developing Countries

What if artificial intelligence could become the most powerful driver of inclusive growth and job creation across emerging markets?

Our latest report by Jeffrey D. Sachs, University Professor and Director of the Center for Sustainable Development, Columbia University outlines how artificial intelligence is redefining economic growth and job creation across emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs), replacing outdated labor-intensive manufacturing models with a dynamic, AI-powered framework driven by productivity, skills, and service-sector expansion. The analysis reveals how AI can unlock trillions in value by boosting export competitiveness in agriculture, mining, and manufacturing while simultaneously fueling large-scale employment in healthcare, education, construction, tourism, and the rapidly growing creative economy. With a strong focus on human capital, smart urbanization, and innovative financing models such as education bonds and diaspora contributions, the report presents a bold, future-ready blueprint for inclusive and sustainable development, positioning AI not as a disruptor, but as a catalyst for long-term prosperity and global economic transformation.

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