Is Artificial Intelligence a threat to jobs? Study explores the impact across the globe
Researchers from the University of Yaoundé II, Cameroon, Tsambou André Dumas, and from the University of Dschang, Cameroon, Fabrice Ewolo Bitoto have examined how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing jobs worldwide and what it means for workers.
Presenting the findings on behalf of the team at the Women and Jobs in Africa Workshop in Accra, Ewolo Bitoto highlighted their study, titled “Is Artificial Intelligence Here to Steal Our Jobs?”
According to the researchers, AI has the potential to boost productivity, automate routine tasks and create new opportunities.
Their study revealed that AI could contribute as much as $13 trillion to the global economy by 2030 and generate millions of new roles. However, they warned that AI adoption may reduce employment for less-skilled workers and widen inequalities, particularly in regions with limited access to technology and training.
The study, which analyzed data from 92 countries between 2008 and 2023, showed that AI changes the composition of the workforce.
“In the early stages, AI tends to replace certain jobs, especially low-skilled roles but beyond a certain point, it can create complementary jobs, improve productivity and even increase employment opportunities for women.”
The research also revealed that men and women are affected differently by AI. Female employment, for instance, tends to respond positively once organizations reach a certain level of AI adoption.
The researchers highlighted the importance of policies to help workers adapt to these changes.
According to them, investing in training and reskilling programs for emerging AI-related jobs, expanding access to digital tools for small and medium-sized enterprises, and ensuring vulnerable workers are included in the labor market are key steps.
They also called for stronger collaboration between public and private sectors to promote innovation and match skills development to labor market needs.
Dumas and Ewolo Bitoto concluded that “the rise of AI does not have to threaten jobs. With the right skills, supportand policies, workers can benefit from new opportunities and participate fully in the evolving economy.”
The study offers valuable insights for governments, businesses, and educators in Africa and beyond, underlining the need for proactive strategies to harness the benefits of AI while protecting workers from displacement.
