UN: AI market to reach $4.8 trillion, 40% of jobs to be affected

The UN Trade and development organization doesn’t think AI will simply go away, predicting instead that nearly half of all jobs will be affected by 2033.

They also warn that only a hundred corporations control the technology, and say the difference between developed and developing nations will grow as the technology gets unevenly rolled out.

Two thids of the world are blank
Less than at third of developing countries have AI strategies, they say in the Technology and Innovation Report 2025 — and note that 118 countries are not represented in AI governance, who they say should have a seat at the table when global strategies are laid.

— AI is redefining economic opportunities, placing technology, innovation and knowledge-intensive services at the heart of national development strategies, the report says.

Their clear advice is that developing countries must start investing in AI skills now, or risk being left behind.

A market larger EVs and crypto
At a market value of $4.8 Trillion, roughly the the GDP of the whole continent of Africa, the AI market will overshadow the valuations of companies like Apple, Nvidia and Microsoft, which are just some of the companies expected to dominate in the field.

In fact, AI market value will exceed that of 5G tech, blockchain and electric vehicles by far in 2033.

The problem is that it will replace a lot of jobs due to automation, which favor capital over labor.

Work must start sooner rather than later
The general idea of the UNCTAD report is that developing countries must rapidly invest in reskilling and upskilling, as workforce adaptation needs to start now.

That way, AI would enhance, rather than eliminate opportunities for workers.

— AI can be a catalyst for progress, innovation, and shared prosperity – but only if countries actively shape its trajectory The report says.

Read more: The report from Unctad, CNBC article.