Yaron Assabi, Founder of DSG.

Attending Mobile World Congress this year, I was struck by how fast automation is reshaping the world around us. From robot-staffed restaurants to human-less hotel check-ins, it’s clear that the future is here and it’s automated.

But as I walked the MWC floors surrounded by innovation, I couldn’t help but ask: Is Africa ready for this shift, or are we still holding back?

Globally, the race toward AI and automation is fuelled by the need for efficiency and cost reduction. But in Africa, we face a very different reality. Our economies are still largely resource-driven. 

Youth unemployment in some countries tops 50%. Over 80% of our workforce operates in the informal sector — small traders, artisans, street vendors — people whose livelihoods aren’t easily “automated.”

A considered approach

In fact, automation could displace these workers without giving them a viable alternative. And therein lies the tension. The resistance isn’t just about fear. It’s also about infrastructure. Many of our industries still rely on manual labour. 

We face challenges like inconsistent electricity, low broadband penetration, and legacy technology. AI adoption requires capital ,connectivity and particularly generative AI, demands substantial power for both training and inference, with projections indicating a significant increase in data center electricity consumption to meet these needs . 

These are not luxuries every business can afford.

Even if the tech is ready, the people might not be. Our education systems still lag in digital literacy, coding, AI, and data science. Most young people are trained for traditional sectors — mining, agriculture, manufacturing — which are among the most susceptible to automation.

And let’s be honest — AI isn’t cheap. In many labour-intensive industries, it’s still more cost-effective to hire humans. That’s why some governments are hesitant to prioritise efficiency over employment. We can’t afford social instability in the name of progress.

But we also can’t afford to be left behind.

Thinking creatively about AI

To remain competitive, Africa needs to transition toward a tech-driven, AI-enabled future but on our own terms and in our own pace.

That starts with education. We must integrate digital skills into the curriculum early while offering reskilling and upskilling for existing workers. We need new pathways to employment in AI development, cybersecurity, robotics, and ethical tech governance.

We should also focus on areas where humans will always have the upper hand. For instance, care, creativity, strategy, and empathy. AI might assist a doctor, but it can’t replace their bedside manner. 

It can generate music, but it can’t replicate the soul of a live performance. It can write code, but it won’t understand cultural nuance or human emotion the way a writer, therapist, or chef does.

An integrated experience

In fact, something else I’ve been reflecting on lately is the personality of the people building AI. Many of them are introverts, more comfortable with bots than with people. But the world, and especially Africa, is filled with extroverts. People who crave interaction, storytelling, and human connection.

That creates a fascinating dynamic. If we over-index on automation, we risk building a world that works for machines and introverts but leaves many of us feeling isolated. 

The future of work isn’t AI or humans. It’s Human craftsmanship powered by AI . We need to design systems that complement our strengths, not cancel them.

Let’s prepare our youth, safeguard our values, and shape an inclusive digital future that celebrates both efficiency and empathy. Therefore being future-ready in Africa isn’t about racing to catch up. It’s about building a future we believe in.