By Bukonla Adebakin

In Africa, where high youth unemployment, poor infrastructure, and low wages remain pressing challenges, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful transformative force. Its ability to solve complex problems in seconds and its vast library of resources to enhance learning are offering new opportunities for growth. Yet, as AI continues to reshape the global economy, we must ask ourselves: can it bridge the widening gap between the privileged and the underprivileged, or will it deepen existing inequalities?

Generative AI, which creates content from text and images to music and software code, is already reshaping industries worldwide—from content creation to customer support and healthcare. These shifts are happening at an unprecedented speed, and Africa must position itself to harness AI’s potential rather than risk being left behind. This is an opportunity, but also a challenge that requires proactive leadership.By investing in AI education, skills training, and leadership development, we can equip the next generation of African leaders to thrive in an AI-driven world.

At present, AI adoption in Africa is gaining momentum, particularly in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, communications, and finance. In agriculture, AI-powered tools are being used to improve crop yields and assist farmers with decision-making. In healthcare, AI-assisted diagnostics are helping to identify diseases more quickly and accurately, ultimately saving lives. AI is transforming communication through real-time interactions, automated content, and personalised engagement. Meanwhile, the fintech sector is embracing AI to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. However, challenges remain—chiefly, infrastructure limitations, digital literacy gaps, and unequal access to advanced technologies. To unlock AI’s full potential, these barriers must be addressed head-on.

According to the Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum, by 2030, technological advancements are expected to displace 92 million jobs globally, while simultaneously creating 170 million new roles. This represents a net increase of 78 million jobs, though with significant disruptions in traditional job markets. In Africa, this shift could lead to the loss of roles in industries such as customer service, manufacturing, and data entry. However, these disruptions also present an opportunity for the creation of new jobs in AI development, data science, and automation. In particular, Africa has enormous opportunities in developing a localised data pool, which can inform decisions in various industries. The need for inventors and innovators to drive this shift is critical. Africa must prepare its workforce to seize these new opportunities.

To ensure that Africa’s future leaders are equipped for an AI-driven world, education and skills development must be prioritised. Integrating AI into curricula at all levels will help students acquire the technical skills needed to excel in this evolving landscape. Alongside technical skills, it’s vital to encourage STEM education, particularly among underrepresented groups such as women and rural communities. Furthermore, in addition to technical competencies, soft skills like creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence will be crucial for remaining competitive in the AI age. Governments must implement policies that promote AI research, development, and infrastructure while also creating reskilling initiatives for workers whose jobs may be displaced by automation.

To mitigate the potential negative impacts of AI, African governments must prioritise reskilling initiatives. Establishing AI-focused training centres and online learning platforms can help workers acquire the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-driven job market. Upskilling in fields like data science, machine learning, and AI ethics will be vital for ensuring that workers are prepared for the future. In addition, inclusive policies that promote equitable access to the benefits of AI must be developed, with a focus on supporting vulnerable communities and industries at risk of automation. Public-private partnerships will also play a critical role in driving AI research and innovation across the continent.

Across Africa, promising efforts are underway to equip emerging leaders with the skills necessary to navigate an AI-driven world. In Kenya, institutions like the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in Nairobi are playing a pivotal role by offering postgraduate training programmes that align with global standards, preparing young Africans for AI and related technological fields. Similarly, South Africa’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research (CAIR) provides workshops and courses to students and industry professionals, including those from underprivileged backgrounds, fostering robust AI capacity. In Nigeria, the University of Lagos is collaborating with major tech companies to foster AI and data science education, ensuring that students gain both theoretical and practical expertise for an increasingly automated job market.

In Ghana, the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (AITI-KACE) offers extensive training in AI, machine learning, and coding, helping young professionals stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech sector. Tunisia is also making strides with initiatives like the Digital Academy, which focuses on empowering women in AI and tech, helping bridge the gender gap and ensuring that women are well-represented in the future workforce.

On the policy side, several African countries are taking significant steps. Rwanda stands out with its National Artificial Intelligence Policy, which aligns AI adoption with the country’s development priorities in sectors such as healthcare and agriculture. This demonstrates how AI can be leveraged for broader societal benefit. Nigeria has drafted a National Policy on Artificial Intelligence, providing a framework for AI research, innovation, and the development of human capital in key industries across the nation. Similarly, Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has introduced an AI strategy focused on fostering local AI companies and integrating AI into national infrastructure, with a special emphasis on youth engagement and job creation.

These initiatives reflect a growing recognition across Africa that preparing the next generation of leaders for an AI-driven world is essential for sustainable economic development. By investing in education, skill-building, and forward-thinking policies, these countries are positioning themselves as leaders in the global AI landscape, ready to harness the opportunities AI presents while mitigating its challenges.

AI has the potential to reshape the future of work across Africa, offering both challenges and opportunities. For African leaders to harness these opportunities, it is essential that they invest in AI education, reskilling programmes, and infrastructure. With the right policies and a commitment to inclusive growth, Africa can build a workforce that is not only prepared for the AI revolution but also leads the way in driving innovation and economic progress on the global stage.

Bukonla Adebakin is the Chief Operating Officer, Intense Group. She is also the Lead Consultant at ImpactyOn Africa and the Author of Profit of Purpose: managing financial accounting and reporting for Social Entrepreneurs. Connect with her on social media @Bukonlaadebakin on Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook and Instagram