AI tops agenda at World Economic Forum

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The topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Technology has topped the agenda at this year’s World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.  This as businesses and governments look to broaden and increase the digital capacity of their operations. However, the digital divide affecting most African countries may limit access for many.

Experts participating in discussions at WEF have emphasised the importance of reskilling the workforce and young people with digital skills.

A study by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has found that almost 40% of jobs are exposed to AI.  This is amid ongoing debates about whether AI will lead to job losses or increased employment.

CEO of Naspers South Africa Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa says access to mobile telephones and the internet has opened access to economic opportunities in Africa. She says however more can still be done towards the development of digital skills on the continent.

“Whether you are looking at Rwanda, Mauritius, Ethiopia, there are many parts of the African continent where governments are using technology to ensure that they can do the work that they do in a more efficient manner. So, from that perspective I think Africa is not behind but there is a lot that needs to be done to ensure that we are part of the solutions for the world going forward. So, a key factor in that is to ensure that our young people have access to digital skilling.”

Luvuyo Rani of Silulo Ufutho Technologies says digital learning and skills development should be made a legislative requirement to ensure that everyone has access to the requisite skills.

“It’s very important from a government point of view because every sector in society is going to be affected by AI, it’s not something far-fetched, it’s happening now.  So, if there’s nothing being done from a government policy point of view to enable that, we are going to be in serious trouble. The second part is that the key is reskilling the youth around cloud base, around AI, Big Data, so those are skills that have to be compulsory.  But the skill that is going to be more important is critical thinking skills that AI can’t do.  We need to encourage people to think in a creative way, in a way that solves problems around the world.”