Long ago, when the farmer sowed his seeds, he sang to the soil, trusting it to return his labor with bountiful harvests. Today, the soil remains, but the farmer’s tools have changed. The world is entering a new age—a time when intelligence no longer comes only from the minds of people but from machines that learn, adapt, and make decisions. Africa stands at a crossroads in this new era.
Between 1960 and 2020, Asia accounted for 62% of global population growth, driving a surge of new ideas, industries, and innovations that fueled the continent’s economic rise. Now, the tide has turned to Africa. From 2020 to 2100, nearly 90% of the world’s population growth is projected to come from this our motherland.
Yet, as our rivers swell with life, the global labour market is changing rapidly. Machines are increasingly taking over tasks once performed by human hands. Factories now hum with the efficiency of robots, algorithms compose poetry, steer cars, and even diagnose illnesses. In many parts of the world, shrinking populations, once a cause for alarm, are now somewhat embraced as nations harness the precision and efficiency of technology to drive development.
What does this mean for Africa?
Africa’s population is a gift, but like a yam harvest, it must be carefully prepared to nourish its people. Our young and growing population holds immense potential, offering the energy and creativity needed to drive development. However, without clear vision and strategic planning, this growth could become a heavy burden, fueling unemployment, poverty, and political instability, leaving millions behind in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
We need a plan—not just any plan, but one deeply rooted in Africa’s soil, leveraging our unique strengths, shaped by our values, and aspiring toward the stars. Education must undergo a transformation. It can no longer prepare young minds for the tasks of yesterday. We must cast aside the curricula imposed by colonial legacies and create a robust, homegrown framework for learning. This new approach must empower our youth to think critically, innovate boldly, and lead confidently in a world driven by artificial intelligence.
Our governments must act decisively, placing the well-being of our people and the future of our children at the forefront. Policies should focus on attracting investments in technology and innovation while safeguarding the livelihoods of our citizens. Our industries must adapt, harmonizing Africa’s rich traditions with the transformative potential of AI to craft solutions that address African challenges in uniquely African ways.
Above all, we must remember that technology is a tool, not a master. AI must serve the people, not replace them. It must enhance our humanity, not diminish it.
As our people say, “Okro anaghi eto kari onye kuru ya” (The okro cannot outgrow the planter), success demands both a clear plan and purposeful action. We can no longer rely on wishes or wait for the West to save us. Now is the time to seize our destiny, take bold steps, and forge a future worthy of our children.
Let us face this moment with intentionality and courage, guided by the struggles of our ancestors and the hopes of our children. As my Igbo people say: If the yam used in sacrifice does not die prematurely, it will surely sprout. Despite the challenges before us, we can rise and flourish—not by imitating others, but by forging our own path, rooted in our rich heritage and driven by our limitless potential.
The soil is now ready. Let us sow wisely.
Lam, D., Leibbrandt, M. and Allen, J., 2019. The demography of the labor force in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and opportunities. Growth and Labour Markets in Low Income Countries Synthesis Paper, 10.
