Demand for AI fluency soars in Latin America, McKinsey study finds
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The need for professionals skilled in artificial intelligence has grown nearly 11-fold in Latin America between 2023 and 2025, according to a McKinsey analysis. The study examined five economies in the region and found that demand for AI fluency outpaced growth in all other skill categories.
AI fluency goes beyond simply knowing how to use tools like ChatGPT or Gemini. It involves the ability to operate, manage, and create AI-based solutions, even in careers not traditionally linked to technology.
For workers, this means that preparing for the job market requires not only understanding how technology works but also developing skills to apply it to everyday tasks, processes, and decisions.
What the study reveals about artificial intelligence
McKinsey’s research shows that jobs requiring AI fluency grew from approximately 800,000 to 8.5 million between 2023 and 2025 in the analyzed economies, an increase of about 10.9 times.
Most of this growth occurred in occupations outside the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), such as business, operations, and other professional activities.
The key difference lies in the type of knowledge required. While technical skills involve building and implementing AI systems, fluency enables professionals to use these solutions in their daily work, even without being programmers.
4 skills to develop in your career
1. Use of AI tools
Knowing how to craft commands, review responses, and identify limitations of AI tools is an essential practical skill.
For example, a marketing professional can use AI to organize research data, suggest content structures, and compare text versions. Human review remains crucial for verifying data accuracy and ensuring it meets the intended purpose.
2. Data analysis
Artificial intelligence relies on data to generate analyses and results. Therefore, mastering spreadsheets, indicators, and data quality helps evaluate the responses produced.
In finance, this could mean using AI to identify patterns in reports, while still verifying the original numbers.
3. Business vision
McKinsey also identified growing demand for business analysis and process improvement in Latin America. This highlights the importance of professionals who can connect technology to companies’ specific needs.
Knowing where to apply AI means identifying repetitive tasks, bottlenecks, and opportunities for productivity gains. A tool can summarize documents, but it’s up to the professional to determine which information is relevant for decision-making.
4. Continuous learning
The World Economic Forum estimates that 39% of essential skills required at work will change by 2030. Artificial intelligence and big data are among the categories with the highest expected growth.
To keep up with this transformation, continuous learning can involve courses, hands-on practice with tools, and staying updated on how technology impacts one’s profession.
How to prepare for these changes
AI fluency does not replace the specific knowledge required in each field. An accountant, an HR professional, and a marketing analyst can all use the same tools, but they must understand distinct risks, objectives, and criteria.
The McKinsey report also emphasizes that skills like problem-solving, communication, and teamwork remain essential. The trend observed is one of collaboration between people and AI systems, rather than simply replacing tasks.
Executive education in artificial intelligence
For professionals who need to deepen their knowledge of technology and business, executive education in artificial intelligence can combine technical fundamentals, data analysis, governance, and practical application.
The need for updates varies depending on profession, sector, and a company’s level of technological adoption. The key is to understand which tasks can be enhanced with AI and which skills help evaluate its results.
