AI and the Future of Work in Africa White Paper

TL;DR

This white paper discusses the implications of Generative AI for Africa's future of work, highlighting current trends, challenges, and policy recommendations from a multidisciplinary workshop.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of AI's impact on Africa's labor markets, integrating diverse perspectives to inform policy and collaborative action.

Findings

Generative AI has significant macroeconomic impacts in Africa.

Skills development and AI regulation are critical for equitable AI adoption.

Collaborative efforts are needed to ensure AI benefits all workers.

Abstract

This white paper is the output of a multidisciplinary workshop in Nairobi (Nov 2023). Led by a cross-organisational team including Microsoft Research, NEPAD, Lelapa AI, and University of Oxford. The workshop brought together diverse thought-leaders from various sectors and backgrounds to discuss the implications of Generative AI for the future of work in Africa. Discussions centred around four key themes: Macroeconomic Impacts; Jobs, Skills and Labour Markets; Workers' Perspectives and Africa-Centris AI Platforms. The white paper provides an overview of the current state and trends of generative AI and its applications in different domains, as well as the challenges and risks associated with its adoption and regulation. It represents a diverse set of perspectives to create a set of insights and recommendations which aim to encourage debate and collaborative action towards creating a dignified future of work for everyone across Africa.