Gender, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Skills: Sub-Saharan Africa

3 April 2024
ABOUT THIS Brief

This report examines how digitalization affects labour markets, skills, and gender equality in Sub-Saharan Africa, and makes recommendations to tackle challenges and leverage opportunities.

This report delves into digitalization’s impact on Sub-Saharan African countries’ labour markets, skill requirements, and gender equality.

Given that Sub-Saharan Africa is a developing region, the existing jobs are more predisposed to being substituted by automation, and countries with lower levels of GDP per capita are found to be more vulnerable to the digitization of their labour market. Navigating this new digital economy clearly requires new digital skills. However, there are noticeable gaps between those with internet access and those without, with the number varying from country to country, and low-income communities with limited capabilities enjoying fewer opportunities to gain the skills necessary to successfully navigate the rapidly transforming digital economy.

To tackle challenges and leverage opportunities, this report recommends: investing in technology to upgrade TVET systems; establishing partnerships between TVET institutions and industry to ensure that training programs align with industry needs; providing training for teachers to ensure that they have the skills and qualifications to teach Industry 4.0-related subjects; and developing curricula that aligns with the needs of Industry 4.0.