How AI is Reshaping Business and the Workforce Across Africa
AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it is actively transforming businesses, industries, and economies across Africa. But how can organisations harness AI while navigating governance, trust, and workforce evolution?
At Africa Tech Festival 2024, a distinguished panel featuring leaders from Meta, Microsoft, Eskom, The Rebel Element, and the U.S. Department of State explored how AI is unlocking economic opportunities, disrupting traditional business models, and reshaping workforces.
- Key themes from the discussion:
- AI’s impact on the formal and informal economy
- The role of governance and regulation in AI adoption
- The workforce evolution—how AI is changing jobs, skills, and opportunities
- How businesses can measure the ROI of AI investments
AI as a Driver of Business and Economic Growth
Note: The below article has been created using a transcript of the session video.
AI presents one of the greatest economic opportunities for Africa, with projections suggesting it could double Africa’s GDP by 2030 if implemented effectively.
"By 2030, AI could add up to $2.9 trillion to Africa’s economy," stated Kojo Boakye, Vice President of Public Policy, Africa, Middle East and Turkey at Meta.
However, the benefits of AI must extend beyond large enterprises—it needs to support the informal economy, which remains the backbone of many African markets.
"Small businesses and informal traders must also have access to AI tools that enhance productivity and competitiveness," Boakye emphasised.
Governments and corporations alike must invest in digital infrastructure, policies, and training to ensure AI adoption is inclusive.
Governance & Trust: The Need for Ethical AI
As AI adoption accelerates, concerns around governance, security, and ethical use are growing.
Joy Basu, Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, stressed the importance of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI:
"Governments don’t trade—businesses do. Our role is to set the foundations for a fair playing field, ensuring AI development aligns with human rights, security, and transparency."
Basu highlighted the U.S. government’s Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA) initiative, which focuses on:
- Digital infrastructure investments to improve connectivity
- Human capital development through AI skilling initiatives
- Policy frameworks that balance innovation with responsible AI use
But regulation alone isn’t enough. Faith Burn, CIO of Eskom, argued that governance must go hand in hand with digital accessibility:
"AI will never reach its full potential in Africa if we don’t address the digital divide. Connectivity must be a priority—we can’t leave underserved communities behind."
AI and Workforce Evolution: A Challenge or an Opportunity?
One of the biggest fears surrounding AI adoption is its impact on jobs.
While AI is expected to augment rather than eliminate most roles, it’s essential that workforces adapt and upskill to remain competitive.
"Job augmentation is the future," said Faith Burn. "AI won’t take away jobs—it will change them. The challenge is ensuring that people have the right skills to evolve with technology."
How can organisations prepare their workforce for AI?
- Digital skills training for all employees, not just technical teams
- Upskilling workers in AI literacy and responsible use
- Fostering a culture of adaptability and innovation
Burn also stressed the importance of shifting organisational mindsets:
"Businesses that demand ‘perfect’ solutions before adopting AI are missing the point. The future is about iterative learning and adaptation—accepting that innovation requires experimentation."
How to Measure ROI from AI Investments
One of the most pressing questions for businesses is: How do you measure the return on investment (ROI) from AI?
Ravi Bhat, Chief Technology & Solutions Officer at Microsoft Africa, outlined three key success factors:
1️⃣ Define high-impact AI use cases
- Not every AI project delivers immediate ROI—businesses must prioritise AI applications that solve critical problems and enhance efficiency.
2️⃣ Choose the right AI tools for the job
- The effectiveness of AI depends on selecting the right technology for the right task.
3️⃣ Ensure workforce readiness
- Organisations must invest in digital literacy to maximise AI adoption and productivity gains.
"If you deploy AI without the right use case, the right tools, or the right skills, you’ll struggle to see value," Bhat explained.
Beyond financial returns, AI should also be measured by its impact on broader social and economic development goals.
"AI must serve humanity," Basu emphasised. "If we can optimise pizza delivery but fail to address global hunger, we’ve missed the real opportunity."
Final Thoughts: AI as a General-Purpose Technology
AI is not just another technological trend—it’s a general-purpose technology that will redefine industries in the same way as electricity, the internet, and mobile phones.
"These technologies emerge every 150 years and change the world forever," said Bhat. "AI is one of those moments. The question is: how will we use it?"
For Africa, the AI opportunity is immense—but only if the right policies, infrastructure, and training are in place to ensure equitable access.
