African policymakers, academics, private sector leaders and development partners have been urged to urgently align strategies on artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure the technology becomes a tool for job creation rather than widespread labour disruption.
This emerged during a pre-Africa Development Impact Forum Stock-take Webinar Series, where stakeholders gathered virtually to examine the growing influence of AI on employment across the continent.
The discussion, held under the theme “AI and Jobs in Africa: Opportunity or Disruption?”, forms part of preparations ahead of the Africa Development Impact Forum scheduled for June 2026, which will focus on “Best Practices and Innovative Solutions for Job Creation in Africa.”
Participants agreed that AI is rapidly reshaping global economies, and Africa must respond with coordinated, practical and context-specific policies to avoid widening inequality and job losses.
Moderating the session, Tamiwe Kayuni called for evidence-based dialogue to better understand how AI will transform labour markets and what policies are needed to manage the transition.
She stressed that discussions must focus on realistic solutions tailored to African development conditions rather than abstract global narratives.
From a policy and institutional perspective, Karima Bounemra Ben Soltane said Africa is gradually building an AI ecosystem, but warned that significant investment in infrastructure, research, and human capital is required to fully unlock its potential.
She also urged African leaders to treat AI as a strategic development tool rather than just a technological innovation.
Speakers highlighted Africa’s demographic advantage, noting that the continent’s rapidly growing youth population could become a major economic asset if matched with the right digital, STEM, and problem-solving skills. By 2035, Africa’s workforce is expected to expand significantly, creating both opportunity and pressure on education systems.
Camila Talam described AI as a potential “fourth industrial revolution” for Africa, estimating that it could boost economic growth by up to 3 per cent if countries invest in infrastructure, skills, and locally relevant innovations. However, she cautioned that readiness levels remain uneven across the continent.
Participants noted that while more than 2,400 AI-focused organisations are emerging in Africa, major gaps persist in digital infrastructure, education, data governance, and legal frameworks—factors that continue to slow large-scale adoption.
The discussion also examined employment risks, with experts warning that while AI could generate new opportunities in SMEs and digital sectors, it could also displace routine jobs unless governments invest heavily in reskilling and digital literacy, especially among youth and women.
Dee Allen emphasised that inclusive AI adoption depends heavily on expanding STEM education, improving digital infrastructure, and supporting SMEs with training and funding to access emerging technologies.
On governance issues, Fola Adeleke highlighted challenges around data quality, privacy, and access, calling for stronger legal frameworks, including data protection laws and locally developed AI systems in African languages.
Experts also encouraged African countries to prioritise “frugal AI” solutions—low-cost, context-driven innovations suited to sectors such as agriculture, energy, logistics, and healthcare.
Jake Kendall urged governments to focus on sectors where Africa already has comparative strengths, arguing that targeted investment would deliver stronger job creation outcomes than broad, unfocused spending.
The webinar concluded with a call for stronger collaboration between governments, academia, the private sector, and development institutions, stressing that AI policy must be treated as an ongoing process rather than a one-time intervention.
As preparations continue toward the 2026 forum, participants agreed that Africa’s central challenge is not whether AI will arrive, but whether the continent can shape it into an inclusive driver of growth, employment, and development.
