From subsistence to disruptive innovation Africa, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and the future of jobs
This report examines the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies on Africa's economic transformation and job prospects, focusing on how these technologies might address productivity barriers and unlock better job opportunities.
(Generated with the help of GPT-4)
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Report location: | source |
| Language: | English |
| Publisher: | Brookings Institution |
| Publication date: | March 1, 2022 |
| Authors: | Landry Signé, Louise Fox |
| Geographic focus: | Africa |
| Page count: | 51 |
Methods
The research method involved a critical review of extensive literature, prioritizing opportunities for and deterrents to production unit adoption of technology and possible resultant employment opportunities, with an emphasis on the informal sector. The analysis focused on illuminating opportunities and threats to economic development objectives that could result from technology adoption and examined public policies that could harness the innovative power of 4IR technologies to support expanded employment opportunities.
(Generated with the help of GPT-4)
Key Insights
The report explores the potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) to accelerate economic transformation and improve employment opportunities in Africa. It reviews the main productivity issues hindering transformation in agriculture, industry, and service sectors, and assesses how 4IR technologies could address these challenges. The analysis finds that 4IR creates opportunities for businesses to reduce costs, enhance productivity, and introduce new business lines, potentially leading to new wage jobs and improved earnings, especially in services. However, longstanding obstacles to production upgrading, such as infrastructure and logistics bottlenecks, insecure land rights, and bureaucratic red tape, may deter adoption of 4IR technology. The report emphasizes the need for African governments to act promptly to encourage innovation and productivity gains without compromising inclusion.
(Generated with the help of GPT-4)
Additional Viewpoints
Categories: 2022 publication year | English publication language | Africa geographic scope | economics | employment | industry 4.0 | jobs | technology