White Paper on AI and the Future of Work in Africa

This white paper is the result of a multidisciplinary workshop that took place in Nairobi on 3rd November 2023, where diverse thought-leaders from various sectors and backgrounds discussed the implications of generative AI for the future of work in Africa. The workshop was organized by a core committee including Jacki O’Neill (MSR Africa, Nairobi), Winnie Karanu (Microsoft Philanthropies), Vukosi Marivate (University of Pretoria and Lelapa AI), Wesley Rosslyn Smith (University of Pretoria), Barbara Glover (NEPAD), Charity Wayua, Matt Grollnek, Anne Makena (Oxford University).

The workshop explored four topics: 1) Macroeconomics, 2) Jobs, skills and labour markets, 3) Workers’ perspectives on AI, and 4) Africa-centric AI platforms. This white paper presents the insights and recommendations from these four topics, each written by a different group of contributors.

The white paper aims to provoke discussion and action on whether and how generative AI can shape the future of work in Africa and how Africa can be at the forefront of designing a dignified future of work for all. The sections of the white paper are complementary but also reflect the diversity of perspectives and backgrounds of the authors. We hope that this diversity will spark further conversations and collaborations on this important topic.

This white paper is a collective output from a wide number of people. The authors include:
Jacki O’Neill, Vukosi Marivate, Barbara Glover, Winnie Karanu, Girmaw Abebe Tadesse, Ajua Gyekye, Anne Makena, Wesley Rosslyn-Smith, Matt Grollnek, Charity Wayua, Rehema Baguma, Angel Maduke, Sarah Spencer, Mark Kariuki, Daniel Kandie, Dennis Ndege Maari, Natasha Mutangana, Maxamed Axmed, Nyambura Kamau, Muhammad Adamu, Frank Swaniker, Brian Gatuguti, Jonathan Donner, Mark Graham, Janet Mumo, Caroline Mbindyo, Charlette N’Guessan, Irene Githinji, Lesego Makhafola, Sean Kruger, Olivia Etyang, Mulang Onando, Joe Sevilla, Nanjira Sambuli, Martin Mbaya, Paul Breloff, Dr. Gideon M. Anapey, Tebogo L. Mogaleemang, Tiyani Nghonyama, Muthoni Wanyoike, Bhekani Mbuli, Lawrence Nderu, Wambui Nyabero, Uzma Alam, Kayode Olaleye, Caroline Njenga, Abigail Sellen, David Kairo, Rutendo Chabikwa, Najeeb G. Abdulhamid, David Kairo, Ketry Kubasu, Chinasa, Eugenia Akpo, Tiyani Nghonyama, Joel Budu, Issa Karambal, Joseph Berkoh, William Wasswa, Muchai Njagwi, Rutendo Chabikwa, Rob Burnet, Loise Ochanda, Hanlie de Bod, Liz Ankrah, Selemani Kinyunyu, Mutembei Kariuki