Bridging the Digital Divide – Technology, AI and the Future of Work in Central Africa

Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2026
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM (WAT)
Venue: Zoom Online (Register now)

Background and Rationale

Digital technologies—and increasingly artificial intelligence (AI)—are transforming labor markets worldwide. Automation, machine learning, digital platforms, and data-driven systems are reshaping how work is organized, which skills are demanded, and how productivity gains are distributed. For many economies, these technologies are becoming central to competitiveness, innovation, and long-term growth.

In Central Africa, the potential of digitalization and AI remains unevenly realized. While mobile technologies and digital services have expanded, especially in urban centers, deep digital divides persist across geography, gender, education levels, and firm size. Limited broadband infrastructure, high connectivity costs, weak digital ecosystems, and gaps in advanced digital and AI-related skills constrain the region’s ability to fully participate in the digital economy.

The rapid emergence of AI raises both opportunities and risks for Central Africa’s labor markets. On one hand, AI-enabled tools can improve productivity, enable new forms of work, support entrepreneurship, and expand access to markets and services. On the other hand, without deliberate policy choices, AI and automation risk reinforcing informality, displacing vulnerable workers, and widening inequalities between those with digital skills and those without.

These dynamics are unfolding amid high youth unemployment, rapid demographic growth, and a labor market dominated by informality. The central policy challenge is therefore not whether technology and AI will shape the future of work in Central Africa—but how governments, the private sector, and development partners can ensure that this transformation is inclusive, job-creating, and aligned with decent work principles.

This webinar will provide a platform for evidence-informed dialogue on how Central Africa can bridge digital divides, build AI-ready skills, and harness technology to support productive employment and shared prosperity.

Objectives of the Webinar

The webinar aims to:

• Examine the nature of digital and AI-related divides in Central Africa and their implications for work.
• Assess how digital technologies and AI are reshaping employment, productivity, and informality.
• Explore the risks and opportunities of AI adoption for youth and women in the labor market.
• Identify policy, regulatory, and investment priorities to support inclusive digital and AI-driven economies.
• Promote dialogue on aligning technology and AI strategies with skills development and decent work.

Target Audience

• Policymakers and regulators
• Technology firms and private-sector leaders
• Development partners and donors
• Think tank researchers and academics
• Civil society organizations
• Youth, students, and workforce development practitioners

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the webinar, participants are expected to:

• Gain a clearer understanding of how technology and AI are shaping the future of work in Central Africa.
• Identify key digital and AI-related barriers to inclusive employment.
• Understand priority policy and investment actions needed to bridge digital divides.
• Strengthen networks among stakeholders working on digitalization, AI, and jobs.
• Contribute to evidence-informed policy dialogue on inclusive digital and AI transitions.

About the Nkafu Policy Institute

The Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is a leading independent African policy research institution with vision to accelerate Africa’s Economic Transformation. It drives Africa’s prosperity through evidence-informed policymaking, enabling all citizens to thrive in free, fair, democratic, and flourishing economies. Through rigorous analysis, high-impact publications, and inclusive dialogue, Nkafu promotes practical reforms that strengthen governance and enhance Africa’s development trajectory.