Africa needs collaboration to benefit from 11.6 million AI-powered jobs, says Fear

Nigeria should be the next India, she says

For Africa to benefit significantly from the 11.6 million Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered Salesforce jobs by 2028, it will need to collaborate more and have a united front, invest in training of its youths and others.

$2.02 trillion business revenue is also expected to be generated by 2028 while 82% of companies expect that AI will change the nature of the workforce.
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Senior Talent Programme Manager, Salesforce, Ursula Fear, made this known in her visit to Nigeria for the inaugural Salesforce Conference held in Lagos. The conference is tagged West Africa Dreamin’.

Fear said by creating new pathways into tech for diverse talent, Africa will level the playing field and help shape a more inclusive future. West Africa Dreamin’ sees industry leaders who will set the stage with thought-provoking talks during inspiring keynote sessions.

“My mission to Nigeria is about spreading opportunities of Salesforce beyond South Africa. This is about the localisation of talents and what that can transform. We are stressing the power of collaboration and partnership. Individuals or the government can’t do that alone, so the opportunity to start with a different base and look forward to something greater is the most exciting thing. The number of smart people in Nigeria is unbelievable, the people just need a chance and someone to believe in them.

When asked about how training translates to job creation, she said there is a direct correlation between job creation and training.

“One advantage is that if we access to device, everything else will be solved, everything is on the Internet.

“Many years ago, we were excluded because training was expensive and that left everyone out but in 2024, we have access to everything and learn everything. You can do anything and that for me is the difference.

If we can adjust our mindset to what it takes to grow skills in 2024, we can do more. It will be a different story if everyone is connected.

She added: “The implication of not training citizens will be traumatic; if we do not think strategically about our youth, especially our unemployed youth, we will have a completely unlivable society, so we need to know that it’s an absolute compulsory, intentional action that we have to solve unemployment. It’s a non-negotiable. If we do not take our people along with us, we know what will happen. It’s not a luxury; it’s one of the most important considerations that we have to think of, to bring our youths along with us.

“The Nigerian youth population is 70 per cent; they are smart, they are hungry so, what they need is someone to believe in them and give them opportunity and the rest will be history.

On how to bridge the African digital gap, she said: “I think with intention, we will impact the society, climate change through business, so, the opportunity of Salesforce Africa through its philosophy and value can be emulated.

“Digital economy in Africa can be significant. We can be bigger than India. Look at what is exported in the area of digital skills from India, why can’t that be Nigeria? There is so much here to work with, and I think that is important to consider.

“We have to be intentional and solve collaboratively with the same set of values, impact and planning for the future. We need to come together to plan what should be done next. It should be about that continuous rhythm of conversation and debate about intentionality.

When asked about the level at which Africa will benefit from the 11.6 million AI-power jobs, she said: “That translates to 33 jobs in South Africa by 2028. African continent could be a significant contributor. Imagine if we collaborate and come together. Everyone must come to sit together at the table. We have to understand that the opportunity is here.

West Africa Dreamin’ serves as a launchpad for collaboration and innovation within the West African Salesforce community. The conference brought together a diverse range of pan-African professionals, users, developers, administrators, consultants, partners, and businesses, fostering a powerful network. This network will be a platform for exchanging ideas, forging partnerships, and ultimately shaping the future of business in West Africa.