Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to redefine the future of work across Latin America by changing how employees collaborate with intelligent technologies instead of replacing them on a large scale, according to the latest report from the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI).
The study, titled Agents, Robots and Us: How AI Transforms Work and Skills in Latin America, examines the potential impact of AI across 15 economies in the region, including the Dominican Republic. Researchers conclude that existing technologies could technically automate 57% of current working hours in Latin America, a level comparable to that of advanced economies.
However, the report emphasizes that this figure should not be interpreted as a forecast of mass job displacement. Instead, it highlights the opportunity to redesign work processes, improve productivity and strengthen human capabilities through collaboration between workers, AI agents and robotic systems.
Economic Potential Could Reach US$450 Billion Annually
According to MGI, artificial intelligence and automation could generate up to US$450 billion in additional economic value each year across Latin America by 2030. The pace of adoption, however, will depend on factors such as business investment, organizational readiness, workforce skills and the cost of deploying AI technologies.
The report also finds that two-thirds of the skills currently valued by employers will remain essential in the AI era, although the way they are applied will evolve. Critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, leadership and teamwork are expected to become even more valuable as organizations increasingly integrate AI into daily operations.
Demand for AI Skills Is Growing Rapidly
One of the report’s most significant findings is the sharp increase in demand for AI-related capabilities. Between 2023 and 2025, demand for AI literacy skills—including the ability to use, manage and integrate AI-powered tools—grew nearly 11-fold across Latin America, making it the fastest-growing skills category identified in the study.
For the Dominican Republic, which the report classifies among economies with a balanced mix of physical and service-based activities, AI presents an opportunity to strengthen competitiveness through strategic technology adoption combined with long-term investment in workforce development and organizational transformation.
Preparing Organizations for an AI-Driven Economy
“Artificial intelligence will not replace the value of human talent; instead, it will increase the importance of the qualities that make us most human: judgment, creativity, leadership and the ability to solve complex problems,” said Antonio Novas, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and Managing Partner in the Dominican Republic.
Novas added that the country’s greatest challenge is not simply adopting new technologies but preparing workers and transforming organizations to fully capitalize on AI-driven productivity gains.
The report concludes that companies achieving the greatest benefits from artificial intelligence will be those that move beyond deploying new digital tools and instead redesign their operations to integrate AI into decision-making, daily workflows and talent development. McKinsey identifies three priorities for business leaders across the region: expanding AI and digital skills, redesigning work processes to encourage collaboration between people and intelligent systems, and fostering a culture of continuous learning that enables organizations to adapt to rapidly changing workplace demands.