Artificial Intelligence’s (AI’s) Disruption of Employment Opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa

Oladipo Olalekan David () and Palesa Nabia Thekiso
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Oladipo Olalekan David: North-West University, School of Economic Sciences
Palesa Nabia Thekiso: North-West University, School of Economic Sciences

A chapter in Behavioral Cybersecurity and Ethical AI in Relational Economics Context, 2026, pp 161-187 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract The process of digitalising society for smart living has led to the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), which different schools of thought hold diverse perceptions on its influence on the economic existence of society. This study analysed how artificial intelligence (AI) disrupts job opportunities within Sub-Saharan Africa, considering both job creation and displacement. The study further disaggregated Sub-Saharan Africa into sub-regions—Western-Central Africa and Eastern-Southern Africa—to micro-capture the influence of AI on employment opportunities in Sub-Saharan African countries. AI technologies, particularly in health, agriculture, and manufacturing, increase productivity; however, they also threaten low-skilled labour in the informal labour market. Despite these challenges, AI has the potential to improve public services, healthcare services, and precision agriculture, among other sectors, through automation. However, there is a disproportionate adoption of AI in Sub-Saharan Africa, due to limited infrastructure and education, which exacerbates inequalities. Adopting a scoping review and correlation analysis in this study determined that AI positively impacts employment opportunities rather than employment displacement.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence; Employment opportunities; Scoping review; Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-032-01214-2_7

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-01214-2_7

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