Ayre Think Tank

St John's, Antigua and Barbuda – November 05, 2026 -- Commonwealth countries best prepared for artificial intelligence could gain $360 billion more in economic output over 10 years than those lagging behind, according to the new Ayre Index.

Only 15 of 56 Commonwealth states meet the youth AI readiness benchmark

The index was unveiled at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda. It examined conditions for 732 million people aged 15 to 29 across all 56 member states.

Under the study's middle scenario, the 15 qualifying countries could see their economies grow by a combined $389.2 billion after 10 years. The other 41 countries could gain $29.2 billion in total. The $360 billion difference is twice the $174 billion in development aid the world's major donor countries gave last year.

St John's, Antigua and Barbuda – November 05, 2026 -- Canada could add C$100.85 billion to GDP over the next decade from AI under a moderate IMF-based scenario, but weak education and training provision may limit those gains, according to the inaugural Ayre Index from the Ayre Think Tank.

The Index ranked Canada fifth among 56 Commonwealth countries with an overall score of 70.2 out of 100. Singapore, Malta, Australia and the United Kingdom placed ahead. The findings were released during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda, attended by King Charles III and Prime Minister Mark Carney.