AI Promises Jobs and Growth for Africans
The African Development Bank has projected that the adoption of artificial intelligence could add up to US$1 trillion to Africa’s gross domestic product by 2035, positioning the technology as a major driver of productivity, economic growth and inclusive development across the continent.
The projection is contained in a new report titled Africa’s AI Productivity Gain: Pathways to Labour Efficiency, Economic Growth and Inclusive Transformation, developed under the G20 Digital Transformation Working Group.
According to the report, inclusive deployment of artificial intelligence could generate economic gains equivalent to nearly one-third of Africa’s current output. This potential is attributed to the continent’s expanding digital infrastructure, favourable demographics and ongoing reforms across key sectors.
The study, conducted by consulting firm Bazara Tech, finds that the economic benefits of artificial intelligence are likely to be concentrated in high-impact sectors rather than spread evenly across the economy. Agriculture is expected to capture the largest share of gains at 20 percent, followed by wholesale and retail trade at 14 percent, manufacturing and Industry 4.0 at 9 percent, finance and financial inclusion at 8 percent, and health and life sciences at 7 percent.
Together, these sectors are projected to account for about US$580 billion, representing 58 percent of the total anticipated gains.
Speaking on the findings, Nicholas Williams, Manager of the ICT Operations Division at the African Development Bank, said the report identifies clear priority areas for early implementation.
“The Bank is ready to release investment to support these actions,” Mr Williams said. “We expect the private sector and governments to utilise this investment to unlock productivity gains and create quality jobs.”
The report notes that realising Africa’s artificial intelligence potential depends on five interconnected enablers: data, computing infrastructure, skills, trust and capital. It highlights the need for reliable and interoperable data systems, scalable computing capacity and a skilled workforce capable of developing and maintaining AI solutions. Strong governance and regulatory frameworks are also identified as critical to building trust and encouraging adoption, alongside sufficient capital to de-risk innovation and accelerate deployment.
In addition, the report outlines a three-phase roadmap for Africa’s AI readiness. The ignition phase is expected to run from 2025 to 2027, followed by consolidation between 2028 and 2031, and scaling from 2032 to 2035.
According to Ousmane Fall, Director of Industrial and Trade Development at the African Development Bank, timely implementation will be crucial.
“Achieving early milestones by 2026 will set Africa’s AI momentum in motion,” Mr Fall said. “The challenge is no longer knowing what needs to be done, but doing it on time.”
The Bank says the roadmap provides a practical framework for governments, the private sector and development partners to harness artificial intelligence as a catalyst for inclusive growth, job creation and long-term economic transformation across Africa.
