AI and the Future of Work: Dr. Bawumia Champions Digitalisation at LSE Africa Summit

Speaking at the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) 2026 Africa Summit, former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia delivered a compelling keynote address titled ‘Artificial Intelligence and Uniting Borders.’ Dr. Bawumia used the platform to advocate for a strategic approach to technology, emphasizing that robust digitalisation is the non-negotiable foundation required for African nations to successfully deploy and benefit from Artificial Intelligence (AI). He argued that while AI represents the next frontier of global innovation, its effectiveness on the continent depends entirely on the digital infrastructure currently being built.

Dr. Bawumia specifically sought to dismantle the common misconception that AI is synonymous with robots taking human jobs. While acknowledging International Monetary Fund (IMF) data suggesting that approximately 40% of global employment is exposed to AI-driven changes, he reframed this transition as an opportunity for transformation rather than a threat of displacement. According to Dr. Bawumia, if properly harnessed, AI can serve as a catalyst for significant job creation and productivity boosts, particularly in critical sectors such as agriculture, education, and healthcare, where technology can bridge existing service gaps.

Addressing the socio-economic implications of this technological shift, the former Vice President underscored the necessity of proactive policymaking and the development of inclusive AI ecosystems. He warned that without strategic intervention, the AI revolution could inadvertently deepen existing inequalities or leave African labor markets behind. To prevent this, he called for national frameworks that prioritize market structure and inclusion, ensuring that the benefits of automation and advanced data analytics are shared across all income groups.

Ultimately, Dr. Bawumia’s address served as a call to action for African leaders and stakeholders to prepare their workforces for a rapidly evolving landscape. By focusing on the synergy between digitalisation and AI, he suggested that Africa can bypass traditional developmental hurdles. The goal, he concluded, is to foster an environment where technology empowers the youth and drives sustainable economic growth, positioning the continent as a participant—rather than a spectator—in the global AI revolution.