How Africa can use AI for inclusive growth

A new report by Genesis Analytics and Caribou, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, examines how Africa can harness artificial intelligence (AI) to drive inclusive economic growth.

The study focuses on the business process outsourcing (BPO) and information technology-enabled services (ITES) sector—a critical employer for Africa’s young workforce, bolstered by government efforts to attract global outsourcing demand.

However, as AI reshapes jobs worldwide, the report warns that entry-level roles, often filled by women and young workers, face the highest risk of automation

Access the full report here: Preparing for AI in the BPO and ITES Sector in Africa

The automation challenge

The analysis identifies four key job families within the sector: Customer Experience, IT-Enabled Services, Finance and Accounting and AI Data Services. A task-level assessment reveals that nearly 40% of tasks could be automated by 2030, with junior positions and roles predominantly held by women most vulnerable. Without intervention, this could exacerbate inequality and reduce opportunities for new labour market entrants.

Turning disruption into opportunity

The report argues that AI doesn’t need to shrink employment. Instead, with proactive measures, it could become a catalyst for innovation and job creation. Strategic upskilling, ethical AI deployment and investment in rural outsourcing hubs could help safeguard and expand meaningful work, particularly for underserved groups and regions.

A call to action

The findings underscore the urgency of preparing Africa’s workforce for an AI-driven future. By prioritising inclusive policies and targeted training, governments and businesses can ensure automation benefits, rather than displace the continent’s next generation of workers.