The future of work in Africa is undergoing a significant transformation, with automation and artificial intelligence (AI) set to disrupt the skills of millions of professionals across the continent. According to a report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), Egypt, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria are among the top 5 African countries with the highest number of skilled professionals at risk of being replaced by automation.

The WEF's Future Jobs Report 2025, which surveyed 1,000 leading global employers across 55 economies, highlights the growing demand for skills such as UI and UX design, data analysis, information security, and AI and machine learning. On the other hand, jobs such as clerks, bank tellers, and executive secretaries are already on the decline and projected to become more obsolete.

The report notes that the fastest-growing job roles by 2030 will be driven by technological developments, such as advancements in AI and robotics, and increasing digital access. This shift is expected to significantly disrupt the skills of many professionals, with employers expecting 39% of workers' core skills to change by 2030.

While this represents a significant ongoing skill disruption, it is down from 44% in 2023. The report attributes this decline to a growing focus on continuous learning, upskilling, and reskilling programs, enabling companies to better anticipate and manage future skill requirements.

In Africa, the countries with the highest number of professionals whose skills may become less needed in the near future are Egypt, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Morocco, and South Africa. These countries are expected to experience a significant change in the skills required by their workforce, with Egypt and Zimbabwe leading the list with 48% of workers' core skills expected to change in the next five years.

This shift has significant implications for the future of work in Africa, where many countries are still struggling to develop their economies and provide employment opportunities for their growing populations. As automation and AI continue to transform the job market, it is essential for governments, educators, and employers to work together to develop strategies that will enable professionals to adapt to these changes and remain relevant in the workforce.

By investing in continuous learning and upskilling programs, African countries can ensure that their workforce is equipped with the skills required to thrive in an increasingly automated economy. This will not only help to mitigate the impact of job losses but also provide opportunities for professionals to transition into new and emerging fields.

As the African continent continues to grapple with the challenges of automation and AI, it is clear that the future of work will be shaped by the ability of professionals to adapt to these changes and develop the skills required to remain relevant in an increasingly complex and dynamic job market.