The global debate about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on jobs has been dominated by a simple but polarising narrative: AI will either cause mass unemployment or usher in a productivity boom benefiting everyone. However, while much of this discussion has focused on high-income economies, the reality of African workers is vastly different. What does AI really mean for African workers – many of whom are farmers, drivers, or traders rather than software engineers or graphic designers?
Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a pivotal force in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation and efficiency. In Africa, AI holds the promise of addressing persistent challenges in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and finance. However, the continent’s unique socio-economic landscape presents both opportunities and obstacles to AI integration.
AI holds the promise of significantly boosting Africa’s economy in ways we are just beginning to comprehend. Industry estimates indicate that if Africa captures just 5% of the global AI opportunity, generative AI could add between $110 to $220 billion to African GDP annually.
Envision a future where farming becomes more efficient because AI better predicts the weather and helps prevent crop diseases. This could lead to bountiful harvests and food security. There are around 250 million smallholder farmers across Africa who provide 75% of the food for the continent. AI-powered SMS chatbots could help these farmers with weather forecasts, planting guidance, and disease detection, particularly as generative AI develops to support natural language interaction in a few African languages.
Or consider healthcare, where AI could make it easier for doctors to diagnose illnesses accurately and quickly, even in the most remote areas. This would give people more people access to quality healthcare. However, the key is ensuring AI augments rather than replaces healthcare workers. AI should support doctors and nurses in delivering better patient outcomes, not eliminate their roles. This potential is a beacon of hope for the continent.
For young people, AI is not just a technology but a gateway to new job opportunities, especially in the tech industry. 10-12 million young Africans enter the labour market annually but only 3 million formal sector jobs are available. AI-driven innovation could help bridge this gap. As more startups emerge, driven by AI innovation, there will be a growing need for fresh ideas and skilled workers to develop AI solutions tailored to Africa’s unique challenges. This could lead to the creation of jobs not only in technology but across other sectors where AI can enhance efficiency and growth.
The challenges we cannot ignore
As exciting as these possibilities are, AI also brings significant challenges, particularly for employment. One of the biggest concerns is that it could replace jobs. This could lead to redundancies and higher unemployment, especially if workers do not have the skills needed to transition to new roles. However, AI should be incorporated to augment human capabilities, not replace them.
The goal should not be automation for efficiency’s sake but transformation that improves the quality of work and enhances human creativity and value. Overarching effort is needed to ensure these transformations support workers rather than engaging in a race to the bottom.
The International Monetary Fund notes that while Africa’s larger agricultural and informal sectors (accounting for 85% of employment) may delay AI’s immediate impact, when disruption comes, it could disproportionately affect vulnerable groups.
Another issue is the digital divide. Not everyone in Africa has access to reliable electricity or the internet, which are essential for benefiting from AI. Statistics from the Groupe Spécial Mobile Association (GSMA) indicate that while 94% of the global population is covered by mobile broadband, 450 million people remain uncovered, with 47% in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Additionally, five of the top ten most expensive countries for mobile data are African, limiting internet use even for those with smartphones. If these gaps are not addressed, some communities could be left behind, deepening existing inequalities.
There is also the question of skills. As AI takes over more routine tasks, there is a growing demand for people with expertise in AI, data science, and other tech-related fields. Currently, only half of African countries include computer skills in their school curricula, compared to a global average of 85%. African countries score between 1.8 and 5 on the Digital Skills Gap Index, below the global average of 6.
This means that education and training systems need to evolve to equip the workforce with the skills required for these new kinds of jobs. However, building AI that works for Africa requires more than just technical expertise. Multi-disciplinary approaches involving social sciences, ethics, human-computer interaction, law, and policy are equally essential to ensure AI enhances human work and creativity.
The labour dignity concern
There is also a troubling reality that must be confronted. Much of the current AI data work in Africa involves poorly paid, exploitative labor. Reports document deplorable working conditions for low-wage data annotators across the continent, with workers facing psychological harm while preparing and annotating training datasets.
It is unacceptable that Africa be relegated to being the hidden army of low-skilled AI data workers. AI-related labour must be valued and dignified, with proper protections, fair compensation, and recognition of the skilled nature of this work.
Africa as a leader, not just a participant
We need a proactive approach to ensure that AI benefits everyone. The impact of AI on the future that emerges will be a consequence of technological and policy decisions made today.
The African Union’s AI Strategy emphasises the importance of building our own AI capabilities, encouraging innovation, and ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate in this new economy. This means investing in infrastructure, like electricity and the internet, and in education so people can gain the skills they need. Africa needs strong digital infrastructure alongside human capital development as both are essential for AI to reach its potential.
How Africa Can Adopt
Startup Ecosystems: Encouraging the growth of AI startups through incentives, incubators, and accelerators can stimulate innovation.
Collaboration Hubs: Establishing AI innovation hubs where researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry players can collaborate will drive cross-sectoral innovation.
Access to Funding: Financial support from venture capitalists, international donors, and development banks is critical for scaling AI initiatives. Organizations such as the African Development Bank are key partners in this endeavor.
Intra-African Cooperation: Strengthening collaboration among African nations through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can create a unified AI strategy that leverages the continent’s collective potential.
International Collaboration: Partnerships with global tech companies and research institutions can provide African countries with access to advanced technologies and expertise.
Curriculum Integration: Incorporating AI and data science into educational curricula at all levels will build a foundation for future expertise.
Professional Training: Offering specialized training programs and certifications can upskill the existing workforce, enabling professionals to adapt to the evolving job market.
Research and Development: Supporting research initiatives within African universities and institutions will foster innovation and indigenous AI solutions.
Looking ahead
The future is not predetermined. Our choices today will determine whether AI exacerbates inequalities or becomes a catalyst for equitable and sustainable growth.
AI offers tremendous potential to drive economic growth and create jobs, but realising this potential requires carefully designed policies and regulations that foster AI development while keeping negative effects in check.
By focusing on inclusion, education, and collaboration, Africa can harness AI’s power to build a future where everyone benefits from the digital economy, ensuring that no one is left behind in this new era. This is Africa’s moment. We have the rare opportunity to influence AI while it’s still in its early stages, ensuring it reflects our values, serves our needs, and advances our shared vision of prosperity and dignity for all.
Driving AI success in Africa requires a multifaceted approach that addresses infrastructural deficits, skill gaps, and ethical challenges while fostering innovation and collaboration. As the continent continues its AI journey, international partnerships, intra-African cooperation, and grassroots initiatives will be critical in shaping an inclusive and prosperous future. By leveraging its youthful population, diverse cultures, and abundant creativity, Africa has the potential to emerge as a global leader in AI innovation.
