A new report warns that women in Africa’s outsourcing sector face a higher risk of job displacement by AI and automation by 2030.
The study, unveiled at the Global AI Summit for Africa in Kigali, indicates women’s tasks are 10% more vulnerable than men’s.
The report also projects a potential slowdown in the sector’s rapid growth.
The study, conducted by Caribou and Genesis Analytics with the Mastercard Foundation, highlights that lower-paying jobs, comprising 68% of the workforce, are particularly at risk.
Up to 40% of human tasks within Africa’s outsourcing industry could be automated.
Speakers at the summit urged for increased investment and training to enable women and youth to access higher-skilled, better-paid positions.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame called for greater investment and innovation in AI, emphasizing the need to reduce inequality.
Jeremy Jurgen, of the World Economic Forum, stressed the shortage of AI workers and the necessity of talent development.
African leaders, including Nigeria’s Communication Minister Bosun Tijani, advocated for collaborative AI strategies that respect national sovereignty.
