WEF future of jobs 2025: Re-shaping Africa’s industries

The latest Future of Jobs report from the World Economic Forum has shed light on the transformation expected to take place in the global labor market by 2030, with approximately 22 percent of jobs at risk of disruption. However, this disruption comes hand in hand with the promise of creating 170 million new roles. In a recent interview with Till Leopold, Head of Work, Wages, and Job Creation at the WEF and one of the main authors of the report, CNBC Africa delved into the key findings and implications of the report. Leopold emphasized five major macro-trends - technology, green transition, geo-economic forces, economic shifts, and demographic changes - that will significantly shape the future of the labor market. These trends collectively have the potential to generate 78 million new jobs globally by 2030 and are poised to redefine existing job roles across various sectors. To leverage these opportunities effectively, collaboration among governments, employers, and educators is imperative to ensure individuals are equipped with the requisite skills. While the evolution of jobs is inevitable, it is crucial to identify the sectors that will witness growth and those that may decline at an accelerated pace. Notably, roles such as AI experts and cybersecurity specialists are projected to be among the fastest-growing job categories, reflecting the increasing demand for technology-driven skills. However, traditional roles like teachers, care workers, and delivery drivers are also anticipated to expand, underscoring the diverse impact of these macro-trends on the labor market. Furthermore, the report emphasizes the significance of a dual skill set encompassing technological literacy and human-centric skills like creativity and problem-solving, which are deemed essential for future job readiness. The overarching challenge identified in the report pertains to skills gaps, which are viewed as the primary barrier to business transformation globally. With two-thirds of businesses recognizing this impediment, addressing skill shortages emerges as a critical imperative for sustained growth and innovation. A notable shift highlighted in the report is the escalating emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within organizations, with North American companies leading the charge in this domain. The burgeoning interest in fostering diverse talent pools underscores the recognition of untapped potential across diverse backgrounds worldwide. Notably, regions like Sub-Saharan Africa are also increasingly prioritizing measures to enhance workforce diversity and inclusivity, reflecting a global trend towards harnessing varied skill sets. In response to the evolving job landscape, organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa are proactively investing in skills development and training to align with digital advancements and emerging technologies. The rise of AI and the growing relevance of cybersecurity skills underscore the strategic focus on upskilling the workforce to meet the evolving demands of the labor market. Especially in countries like Nigeria, where cybersecurity skills are in high demand, targeted efforts are being made to align skill development with sector-specific requirements. As businesses and labor markets brace for transformation, the impetus on skills development, diversity, and inclusive practices emerges as critical pillars for sustainable growth and competitiveness in the evolving job landscape.