Microsoft has recognized Africa's billion-strong youth population as pivotal to the global workforce and the future of work as we approach the turn of the century.
During a webinar, Ravi Bhat, Chief Technology and Solutions Officer for Microsoft Africa, discussed insights from the "AI and the Future of Work in Africa whitepaper," a collaborative effort with industry experts across the continent. Bhat highlighted Africa's unique position to influence the future of work, particularly with the evolution of large language models (LLMs) and application environments.
He noted that Africa is home to one billion people under the age of 35, with the continent soon expected to host nearly half of the world's youth population. Despite this demographic advantage, challenges persist, as up to 12 million young Africans enter the job market annually, and more than 20% remain unengaged in employment, education, or training, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Bhat outlined his vision of generative AI playing a significant role in transforming work environments and unlocking opportunities for youth to innovate, drive economic growth, and foster job creation.
"We see generative AI as pivotal in reshaping work environments, creating opportunities for youth to innovate, drive economic growth, and stimulate job creation," Bhat said.
He also discussed the potential of generative AI (GenAI) to redefine job roles, skill requirements, and productivity outputs, citing McKinsey research suggesting GenAI could enhance annual labor productivity growth by up to 0.6% through 2040, depending on technology adoption and task reallocation.
However, Bhat cautioned that while technology is transformative, it alone cannot address the challenges faced by Africa's youthful demographics. He emphasized the importance of policies ensuring responsible deployment of GenAI and promoting dignified employment.
Jacki O'Neill, Director of Microsoft Research Africa, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing GenAI's transformative impact on enhancing human capabilities across various sectors.
"As access to GenAI tools expands across Africa through internet-enabled devices and more affordable data, barriers to access are diminishing, offering increased opportunities for skills development," O'Neill said.
O'Neill underscored the necessity of equipping African youth with skills tailored for an AI-driven job market, including deploying GenAI tools, developing innovative applications, and expertise in fields such as machine learning and cybersecurity.
"Investing in these skills empowers Africans to create dignified jobs, integrate AI respectfully with indigenous knowledge, establish new value chains, and develop AI systems aligned with human-centered and community values," O'Neill noted.
The whitepaper emphasizes the importance of proactive governance, inclusive design, and adherence to regulatory and ethical standards to ensure positive outcomes from GenAI deployment.
"This is a shared responsibility involving policymakers, technologists, and citizens alike," O'Neill emphasized.
He highlighted that the AI revolution in Africa is already underway, with Microsoft committed to collaborating with individuals, governments, and stakeholders across the continent to drive meaningful progress.