Are African youths prepared for the intelligence age?

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prominent, shaping the future of global economies and industries. The CEO and Co-Founder of Goodwall, Taha Bawa, emphasizes the crucial need to empower young people to not only use AI but also to drive a wave of innovation that will define the future. Bawa highlights the importance of equipping young individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-driven world, emphasizing the urgency in bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive opportunities for all. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Bawa delves into the significance of preparing African youth for the intelligence age and unlocking their potential in a rapidly transforming digital era. Bawa underscores the pivotal moment for young people and society at large, emphasizing the potential of AI to either amplify inequality or usher in a new wave of global economic participation. By collaborating with industry giants like Microsoft, Goodwall aims to provide free experiential learning and upskilling opportunities to connect young individuals with emerging prospects in the evolving economy. The program focuses on fostering entrepreneurship, creativity, and engineering skills, emphasizing the need for continuous adaptation and learning in the face of technological advancements. The initiative encompasses countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, with plans for broader pan-African integration. Bawa highlights the demographic potential of sub-Saharan Africa, emphasizing the need to harness the region's youthful population and cultivate talent from an early age. The program aims to span across various industries, encompassing not only digital sectors but also traditional domains like agriculture, where AI is poised to revolutionize operations. While AI presents opportunities for innovation, Bawa acknowledges the disruptive impact on certain job sectors, necessitating a balance between creating new avenues and ensuring inclusivity. The transformative power of AI extends beyond technical skills, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and rapid learning to navigate the evolving job market. Bawa stresses the need for inclusive growth, particularly in fostering entrepreneurial endeavors to generate employment opportunities for the burgeoning talent pool. In navigating the challenges of AI inclusion, Bawa advocates for a swift and collaborative approach, urging policymakers, businesses, and governments to prioritize AI integration. By leveraging public-private partnerships and embracing agile regulatory frameworks, Africa can position itself as a global contender in the AI space. Bawa emphasizes the importance of proactive engagement with AI-related issues, including data privacy and civil rights, to sustainably harness the benefits of technological advancement. Looking ahead, Bawa envisions success in Africa's AI journey as the empowerment of 100 million young individuals who gain access to new economic opportunities, fostering socioeconomic mobility and inclusive growth. By equipping African youth with AI skills and facilitating their engagement in diverse industries, success manifests as a landscape where innovation thrives, and economic participation is democratized across sectors. As Africa strides towards the intelligence age, the integration of AI holds immense promise for driving societal progress and economic transformation. By nurturing a generation of AI-savvy youth and embracing innovation, the continent can chart a course towards inclusive prosperity and global relevance in the digital era.