In the not-so-distant past, conversations about Africa’s future revolved around food security, healthcare, and education. Today, a new force is rising to claim its place in the discourse: technology. Africa finds itself on the cusp of a profound transformation, an era in which artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are not only reshaping industries but redefining the very fabric of work, learning, and development.
With the continent housing the world’s youngest population and grappling with deep-rooted socioeconomic disparities, the adoption of AI and automation could either be the great equaliser or another dividing line. The future of work in Africa, therefore, is not a matter of distant speculation, it is a present challenge demanding immediate, coordinated, and inclusive action.
READ ALSO: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for African Development
A report by Caribou Digital and the Mastercard Foundation suggests that AI could generate up to 4.5 million new jobs in South Africa alone, contingent on the implementation of conducive policies. Across the continent, nearly 12 million young people enter the job market each year, yet only about 3 million formal jobs are created. This mismatch between labour supply and demand makes Africa especially vulnerable to automation, but also highly motivated to innovate.
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023 indicates that nearly a quarter of jobs (23%) are expected to change over the next five years, through a projected growth of 10.2% and a decline of 12.3%. According to data from 803 companies surveyed, employers anticipate 69 million new roles being created and 83 million eliminated—resulting in a net decrease of 14 million jobs, or 2% of current employment. However, the benefits of AI are not uniformly distributed. A study presented at the Global AI Summit for Africa in Kigali revealed that women in Africa’s outsourcing sector are 10% more susceptible to job displacement due to automation than men, reinforcing gender-based inequalities.
AI in Action Across Africa
In Kenya, small-scale farmers are harnessing AI tools such as Virtual Agronomist and PlantVillage to enhance productivity. These platforms offer tailored advice on fertilisation and pest control, leading to significant yield improvements. For example, farmer Sammy Selim nearly tripled his coffee yield by following AI-driven recommendations. Similarly, Musau Mutisya from Machakos County uses PlantVillage to diagnose pests through his smartphone—eliminating guesswork and reducing ineffective treatments.
In Ghana, Google’s Project Relate is helping individuals with non-standard speech patterns communicate more effectively. Oscar Darko-Sarfo, a 22-year-old with a cleft palate, secured employment as a barber and credits his improved communication skills to the AI-enabled tool. This form of inclusive AI is not merely about productivity—it is about dignity and access.
In Malawi, Opportunity International has introduced a generative AI chatbot, Ulangizi, which delivers agricultural advice in the local language, Chichewa, and supports teachers in crafting customised lesson plans. The app is designed to provide quick, relevant guidance to farmers in some of the most remote and underserved communities.
Rwanda has emerged as a leader in AI-driven healthcare. The Ministry of Health collaborates with Babylon Health, a UK-based AI firm, to deliver digital consultations via mobile phones. The system now handles more than 5,000 consultations daily and covers nearly one-third of the population. This is made possible by the country’s robust governance framework and investments in broadband infrastructure.
In South Africa, startups such as DataProphet are deploying machine learning to optimise manufacturing processes, reduce waste, and boost productivity. Simultaneously, the YES (Youth Employment Service) initiative partners with tech firms to place young people in digital roles, aiming to create one million opportunities within five years.
Government Initiatives: Building the Foundation
Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has launched the Digital Egypt Cubs Initiative (DECI) with a US$25 million budget. The programme develops tech skills among 3,000 students annually, focusing on digital arts, software development, and AI. DECI forms part of Egypt’s wider strategy to align its education system with future labour market needs.
In Senegal, the government aims to train 90,000 individuals in data science by 2028 as part of its national AI strategy. A sub-regional centre of excellence is also being established to serve West African countries.
Nigeria has drafted a national AI policy to provide a framework for research, innovation, and human capital development across key sectors. The policy emphasises collaboration without compromising sovereignty. Additionally, the government is supporting AI hubs in Lagos and Abuja to help startups scale and develop local solutions to local problems.
Ethiopia is working to bridge its education gap using AI. In partnership with UNESCO, the Ministry of Innovation and Technology launched AI-powered tutoring systems in 2023. These systems currently support over 150,000 students in rural areas, offering tailored educational assistance.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain. Infrastructure deficits—particularly limited access to high-speed internet and reliable electricity—continue to obstruct widespread AI adoption. According to the International Telecommunication Union, only 38% of sub-Saharan Africans had internet access by the end of 2024. Furthermore, the scarcity of localised data and multilingual support hampers the effectiveness of AI tools in Africa’s diverse linguistic landscape.
A further concern is the lack of skilled AI professionals. The African Union’s 2023 Technology Readiness Index shows that fewer than 5% of university graduates in sub-Saharan Africa specialise in digital or AI-related disciplines. Bridging this gap requires sustained investment in education, training, and capacity-building from both local and international partners.
Collaborative Efforts for Inclusive Growth
To fully harness the benefits of AI and automation, a multi-stakeholder approach is essential. Governments, private enterprises, educational institutions, and civil society must work together to foster inclusive innovation and responsible AI ecosystems.
First, infrastructure investment must be comprehensive. Beyond broadband, data centres, cloud storage, and energy grids all require modernisation. Second, education systems must evolve—coding, digital literacy, and AI ethics should be integrated into national curricula. Rwanda’s AI strategy includes these elements, making it a continental exemplar.
Third, innovation ecosystems should be nurtured. Governments can provide tax incentives, research grants, and regulatory frameworks to support startups developing Africa-centric AI solutions. Tunisia and Ghana, for instance, are exploring AI sandboxes that allow new technologies to be tested within controlled regulatory environments.
Finally, ethical frameworks must be prioritised. Issues such as algorithmic bias, surveillance, and data privacy must be addressed through transparent governance. The African Union is currently drafting a continental AI strategy to harmonise national efforts and ensure that technological development aligns with African values and goals.
Africa’s journey into the AI and automation era is filled with promise but not without peril. By addressing infrastructural shortcomings, investing in human capital, and fostering inclusive policy frameworks, the continent can leverage emerging technologies to drive sustainable and equitable development. The time to act is now—to ensure that the future of work in Africa is not only automated, but inclusive and empowering for all.
As the digital tide rises, Africa must not be swept aside—it must learn to ride the wave. The future of work is already here; it is only unevenly distributed. With courage, coordination, and vision, Africa can chart a new course in which technology serves humanity—not the other way around.
