AI’s impact on job security in Africa
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking over the world. Undoubtedly, the development of computer systems and algorithms that can perform tasks requiring human intelligence is becoming the norm of the day.
Human cognitive functions are being simulated to enable machines to learn, reason and solve complex problems. This has significantly impacted some professions although this may vary from country to country.
The question of whether these automated mechanisms have the possibility of displacing human workers has surfaced in various contexts.
Job creation and enhancement
There are numerous ways AI can improve various professions in many regions in Africa. As a matter of fact, Artificial Intelligence is projected through research, to have the ability to solve some of the most pressing challenges facing Africa and to drive sustainable development in agriculture, health, infrastructure and other social areas.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa has noted that AI can also effectively contribute to the creation of high-value and decent jobs while reducing poverty.
Director of the Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resource Development Division of ECA, Jean-Paul Adam, while addressing participants at the third Africa Regional Science Technology and Innovation Forum in 2021 said, “AI growth can help increase the productivity of firms, preserve the environment and foster better living conditions.”
AI can be utilized to support the human workforce where there is a shortage. Agriculture can also be revolutionized with the introduction of Artificial Intelligence. Traditional methods including crop monitoring, pest control and overall efficiency can be enhanced to increase agricultural productivity and open up new job opportunities.
It is in line with this that UNECA launched an Artificial Intelligence Research Center located within the Denis Sassou-N’guesso University, Kintele. This centre is the first of its kind in Africa and is focused on using human-centred approaches to maximize the potential of using AI for the development of Africa.
The World Bank says that sub-Saharan African countries can benefit from technological adoption but must take proactive steps to harness it appropriately.
A skilled workforce is required to develop, maintain and use AI in diverse spaces within Africa; this translates to job creation. This means education and training in that regard.
Citizens of different African countries can capitalize on this to build skillsets in that regard, to mitigate the effects of job displacement likely to be created by AI.
AI technologies can also contribute greatly to the digitization of African economies leading to significant development as is witnessed in many developed countries.
Job displacement
A World Economic Forum study published in 2023, suggests that an estimated 83 million jobs worldwide could possibly be lost over the next five years as a result of AI but indicates that some 69 million more will be created.
This leaves about 14 million jobs out of existence. The sports industry has witnessed an increased adoption of artificial intelligence over the years.
The African Development Bank (ADB) in 2019 also projected that some 100 million youth on the continent won’t be able to find any new jobs by 2030, with technological factors cited as part of the causes for the scarcity.
Kenyan Digital Solutions Company, Adept Technologies, has also extensively explored possible effects of AI on particularly, routine jobs.
They indicate that jobs usually categorized as repetitive, routine and require manual labour can potentially be replaced by AI.
Business owners in Africa are gradually imploring developing technologies to perform tasks that can be performed without human labour to reduce cost, increase efficiency and reduce labour requirements.
This is especially possible because of economic trends in some African countries. Factors like high inflation, taxes, interest rates, and wages can easily influence job owners to choose machines over human labour because after all, the job gets done and there are just a few workers to pay; that’s a win-win situation.
On a continent where agriculture is very prevalent and manual labour has traditionally played a significant role in farming and the like, AI and automation in labour-intensive industries through heavy-duty machinery can lead to job displacement.
Regardless of these seeming threats, AI is inevitable and if well balanced can lead to many benefits for African economies and social development.
Crucially, African nations need to recognise the multifaceted potential of Artificial Intelligence in fostering economic development while striking a significant balance. This approach will ensure AI is harnessed and optimised to introduce new possibilities while mitigating the adverse effects on citizens for the benefit of all.
