At this early stage, when large-scale language learning models (LLM) are evolving and the application landscape is still new, Africa has a unique opportunity to influence what the future of work will look like. This is documented in the “AI and the Future of Work in Africa” whitepaper, developed by Microsoft and a collective of industry experts from across the continent.
Africa is currently home to about one billion people under the age of 35, and by the turn of the century, the continent is projected to be home to almost half of the world's youth population, effectively accounting for half of the world's future workforce. Currently, up to 12 million young Africans enter the labor market each year, but according to a report by the International Labor Organization, more than 20 percent are not employed, educated or trained.
“We believe generative AI will not only transform the workplace, but also play a key role in fostering opportunities for young people to create jobs, innovate and drive economic growth and stability across the continent,” said Ravi Bhatt, chief technology and solutions officer, Microsoft Africa.
According to the whitepaper, many expect generative AI to dramatically change knowledge worker jobs, particularly in terms of the types of work, the skills required, and the outcomes produced. According to a McKinsey study, generative AI (GenAI) could enable labor productivity gains of up to 0.6% annually through 2040, depending on the rate of adoption of the technology and the reallocation of workers' time to other activities.
“Generative AI has great potential to advance human capabilities,” said Jackie O'Neill, director of Microsoft Research Africa. “As more people across Africa have access to GenAI tools through internet-enabled devices and more affordable data, barriers to access will likely decrease and opportunities to build skills will increase.”
“But it's not just information workers who will benefit from GenAI.”
We believe generative AI will not only transform the workplace, but also play a key role in fostering job opportunities for young people.
The promise of GenAI to transform industries such as agriculture, healthcare and services must be balanced with equipping young people with the skills they need for a labour market disrupted by AI, so that they are not left behind by this technological change.
It is therefore important to develop a wide range of skills, from how to effectively deploy and use GenAI tools in the workplace, to how to build appropriate and innovative applications and technologies based on these models, to graduate-level skills in research and innovation in machine learning, natural language processing, human-computer interaction, cybersecurity, systems, and more.
“Investing in this range of skills gives Africans the best chance of creating dignified and decent jobs, adapting AI sensitively to indigenous knowledge, and creating new value chains and better AI systems that, for example, reflect human-centred and community values. Such systems have the potential to drive value globally and counter typical technocentric models of automation and deskilling,” O'Neill adds.
Culturally and linguistically sensitive design makes GenAI a personalized tool that is tailored to each individual worker, learning from interactions, respecting privacy, and enhancing each worker's unique skills. GenAI can act as a guide to promote inclusivity and showcase the diverse skills and capabilities of the African workforce. It can also be leveraged as a community-focused tool to support collaboration and community development.
The technology will assist in decision-making, risk assessment and data analysis, providing strong support to entrepreneurs in their business. In the informal sector, customized GenAI tools will empower entrepreneurs and provide them with tailored assistance to meet their unique needs.
Ensuring beneficial outcomes from GenAI requires active governance, inclusive design, investment in education, and a commitment to regulatory and ethical standards, according to the white paper. This is a shared responsibility and requires the involvement of policymakers, technologists, and citizens.
“Technology alone will not solve the challenges facing our young continent. Policies and practices must be developed to ensure that GenAI, and AI in general, is deployed responsibly, and that AI-related work is valued and given dignity. We must ensure that macroeconomic, labor and regulatory markets can adapt and support positive change,” adds Bhat.
The AI revolution in Africa is no longer just a possibility – it is already underway. Microsoft is committed to working with individuals, governments, partners and stakeholders across the continent to prepare for a future where AI is intricately woven into the fabric of work and society in Africa.
