Future of work in Africa and emerging technologies

Africa’s youth need to have access to meaningful work opportunities, which is already a significant development policy concern. It will likely continue to be an issue given the population boom in Africa and the influx of young Africans anticipated to enter the labour force during the following 20 years.

Emerging technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) have been hailed as a game-changer that can hasten the economic transformation of poor nations, according to recent studies. African governments are being urged to plan and invest in this transformation by enhancing the capabilities of their labour force.

While the adoption of 4IR technologies in sub-Saharan Africa could result in significant economic growth and welfare benefits, it could also have a negative social and economic impact by creating an income and opportunity gap between workers with less education and those with more education, aggravating inequality trends.

What countervailing measures should African governments take to balance the need to foster the private investment necessary to create jobs using cutting-edge technology with the requirement to guarantee that all new workers have the fundamental abilities and infrastructure to make a living?

Related Posts

How likely is it that African manufacturers will use the new technology? Due to high costs and the fact that many technologies do not adequately address the specific obstacles to boosting productivity and profitability that face African producers, the adoption of new production technology in Africa has so far been gradual.

The authors of the new report, “From subsistence to disruptive innovation: Africa, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and the future of jobs,” Louise Fox and Landry Signé, will participate in a conversation on September 26, 2022, hosted by the Brookings Africa Growth Initiative (AGI). The writers will try to address what are the present and future advantages of 4IR technology for Africa’s economic transformation, how probable is it that African producers will adopt the new 4IR technology and what effects will this have on inclusive development and jobs in the future.

Following a conversation with the authors, Justice Tei Mensah (Office of the Chief Economist, Africa Region at the World Bank) will offer his thoughts and summarise the most important policy options for African nations as they navigate this new era of emerging technologies and the continent’s future of work.

fatima

Recent Posts

Laura Wolvaardt Calls for More Women’s Test Matches

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt wants cricket authorities to arrange more Test matches for women because Test cricket represents the…

March 15, 2025

Trump Administration Expels South African Ambassador Over Critical Comments

The United States issued Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool a one-way travel ticket from South Africa to show decreasing trust between the…

March 15, 2025

South African Coffee Giant Vida e Caffè Marks 300th Store Milestone

Vida e Caffè achieved a major milestone when they opened their 300th South African outlet in Secunda Mpumalanga making it…

March 14, 2025

Iran Announces New Shipping Line to West Africa Over Economic Push

The Trade Promotion Organization of Iran revealed its plan to launch a special shipping line to West Africa through its…

March 14, 2025

Africa’s Rare Earth Sector Set to Transform Global Supply Chain by 2030

Expansion in the global rare earth industry makes Africa stand out by predicting this region will reach 10% market supply…

March 13, 2025

Mining Veteran Ben Magara Named New Exxaro CEO

Exxaro Resources Limited chose Ben Magara to lead the company as CEO starting April 1, 2025. The firm conducted an…

March 13, 2025