Former Vice President of Ghana and NPP flagbearer for 2028, Mahamudu Bawumia, has highlighted both the risks and opportunities artificial intelligence presents for jobs and economic inclusion across Africa.

Addressing participants at the LSE Africa Summit 2026, Dr Bawumia noted that AI will significantly transform labour markets but stressed that the outcome will depend on policy choices and preparedness.

“We should be clear at the outset: most people do not experience ‘AI’ as a single model… They experience AI as a stack,” he explained, referring to the interconnected systems of infrastructure, data, and processes that shape real-world impacts.

He cited global estimates indicating that about 40 per cent of jobs are exposed to AI-driven change, but clarified that this does not necessarily mean mass job losses.

Instead, he said AI is more likely to reshape tasks and improve productivity.

“The point is not that ‘40% of jobs will vanish,’ but that AI will reshape tasks and productivity across a large share of work,” he noted.

He added that the key policy challenge is ensuring workers transition into roles where AI complements their productivity.

Dr Bawumia also warned that Africa’s large informal sector presents unique challenges, requiring tailored strategies focused on inclusion, skills development, and support for small businesses.

He concluded that with the right policies, AI could drive shared prosperity.

“If we get this right, AI can become a productivity engine for agriculture, health, education, climate resilience, and digital trade,” he said.