Artificial intelligence and other technologies are changing the job market by creating new job opportunities and transforming existing ones.
While some jobs may become automated and require fewer workers, new jobs will be created that require skills in data analysis, programming and other areas related to AI.
During the AI for Leaders Summit 2023, AI Centre of Excellence founder John Kamara said that there exists a skills gap in jobs being created.
"This could lead to a situation where there are jobs available, but not enough qualified workers to fill them. Who will take up the new jobs?" he said.
Kamara further noted that in order to address this issue, it is important for Africa to invest in education and training programmes.
This, he said, could help prepare young people for the jobs of the future.
The programmes include computer science, data analysis and other areas that are in high demand in the AI job market.
"It could also involve policies such as retraining programmes for workers whose jobs are at risk of automation or social safety nets to support workers who are in transition between jobs," Kamara said.
He added that African companies do not develop AI solutions as there is little to no skilled engineers to develop the solutions.
"Companies will, in the near future, need AI engineers. As AI and machine learning technologies become increasingly important in many industries, the demand for professionals with the skills and expertise to design, develop and implement these technologies is also likely to grow," Kamara said.
"This is especially true for industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, where AI has the potential to revolutionize the way business is done."
