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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261202T150000
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SUMMARY:Bridging the Digital Divide – Technology\, AI and the Future of Work in Central Africa
DESCRIPTION:Date: Wednesday\, December 2\, 2026\nTime: 3:00 – 4:00 PM (WAT)\nVenue: Zoom Online (Register now) \nBackground and Rationale \nDigital 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. \nIn 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. \nThe 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. \nThese 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. \nThis 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. \nObjectives of the Webinar \nThe webinar aims to: \n\nExamine the nature of digital and AI-related divides in Central Africa and their implications for work.\nAssess how digital technologies and AI are reshaping employment\, productivity\, and informality.\nExplore the risks and opportunities of AI adoption for youth and women in the labor market.\nIdentify policy\, regulatory\, and investment priorities to support inclusive digital and AI-driven economies.\nPromote dialogue on aligning technology and AI strategies with skills development and decent work.\n\nTarget Audience \n\nPolicymakers and regulators\nTechnology firms and private-sector leaders\nDevelopment partners and donors\nThink tank researchers and academics\nCivil society organizations\nYouth\, students\, and workforce development practitioners\n\nExpected Outcomes \nBy the end of the webinar\, participants are expected to: \n\nGain a clearer understanding of how technology and AI are shaping the future of work in Central Africa.\nIdentify key digital and AI-related barriers to inclusive employment.\nUnderstand priority policy and investment actions needed to bridge digital divides.\nStrengthen networks among stakeholders working on digitalization\, AI\, and jobs.\nContribute to evidence-informed policy dialogue on inclusive digital and AI transitions.\n\nAbout the Nkafu Policy Institute \nThe 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. \nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/events/bridging-the-digital-divide-technology-ai-and-the-future-of-work-in-central-africa/
LOCATION:Zoom Online\, Zoom Online
CATEGORIES:Event,Events,IMPACT,webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.foretiafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/December-2.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Nkafu Policy Institute":MAILTO:info@foretiafoundation_org
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