Artificial intelligence is projected to deliver significant economic gains globally by 2030, although the benefits are expected to vary considerably across regions.
Data from the Economic Report on Africa 2026 by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa shows developed Asia leading with an estimated $7.9 trillion increase in economic value, equivalent to an 18.25 per cent boost to regional GDP.
North America follows with projected gains of $3.7 trillion, representing a 14.5 per cent increase in GDP, while Europe could gain $2.5 trillion, translating to a 10.3 per cent rise.
Latin America is projected to gain $500 billion, equivalent to a 5.4 per cent GDP increase. Meanwhile, Africa, Oceania and other Asian markets are expected to record a combined gain of $1.2 trillion, representing a 5.6 per cent GDP increase.
The projections highlight the uneven distribution of AI-driven economic benefits, with developed economies expected to capture the largest gains.
