A WAVE of automation driven by artificial intelligence (AI) could put more African women than men in the outsourcing sector out of work by 2030, according to a new report unveiled at the Global AI Summit for Africa in Kigali, Rwanda.
As reported by The Associated Press (AP), the study—published by Caribou and Genesis Analytics in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation—highlights the mounting risk that technology poses to workers across the continent, particularly those in lower-paying jobs and those held by women. The findings were released during the first-ever summit of its kind in Africa, which brought together over 1,000 policymakers, business leaders and AI specialists.
Gender inequality could widen
The report reveals that jobs held by women are, on average, 10 percent more susceptible to automation than those held by men within the same industry. This disparity could significantly deepen existing gender inequalities unless immediate interventions are made.
‘If we do not act now, the very technologies meant to drive progress could further entrench exclusion and disadvantage,’ warned one summit speaker, echoing the report’s call for widespread upskilling.
Lower-income roles—many of which are occupied by women—are particularly vulnerable, with up to 40 percent of human tasks in the sector potentially automatable in the coming years.
African leaders call for collaboration
Rwandan President Paul Kagame, opening the summit, called for deeper investment in innovation and urged African nations to build strong digital infrastructure to harness the benefits of AI.
‘We need to go back to the drawing board and build a strong foundation for connectivity,’ Kagame said. ‘Let’s continue working together, and driving AI to reduce inequality, and allow more of our citizens to benefit from the good AI can deliver.’
His message was echoed by Nigeria’s Communications Minister Bosun Tijani, who emphasised the need for clear national strategies that align with continental collaboration: ‘African countries need to have clarity on what they want to do with AI and what they’re bringing to the table…without compromising our sovereignty.’
Urgent need for upskilling
Despite the looming threat, the report and summit experts agreed that AI also offers opportunities—particularly for women and youth—to transition into more skilled, higher-paying roles.
Jeremy Jurgen, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, which co-hosted the event, pointed to a critical shortage of AI talent on the continent. ‘This isn’t just a challenge—it’s a chance,’ he said. ‘With the right investments in training, we can create entirely new pathways for work.’
However, these pathways depend heavily on timely action. The study urges policymakers and private sector players to act fast, integrating digital education, apprenticeships and gender-inclusive training programmes to future-proof Africa’s rapidly growing workforce.
