- Over half of workers in Nigeria (59%) and South Africa (57%) express concern about the potential redundancy of their skills within the next decade due to technological advances.
- 21% of respondents in both Nigeria and South Africa believe their jobs could eventually be taken over by robots or computers.
- Limited time, financial constraints, and insufficient collaboration between public and private sectors hinder upskilling efforts, particularly in Africa’s rapidly evolving labor markets.
A new report from the Global Labor Market Conference reveals that rapid technological advancements are causing significant concern among workers in Africa’s largest economies, Nigeria and South Africa, regarding the future of their job skills.
The report, Navigating Tomorrow: Mastering Skills in a Dynamic Global Labor Market, highlights how workers across 14 countries—including Nigeria and South Africa—are grappling with fears of job skills obsolescence as automation and digital transformation reshape industries.
In Nigeria, 59% of workers fear their skills could become partially or fully redundant within five years, while in South Africa, the figure stands at 57%. These concerns place both nations among the highest globally, alongside Brazil (61%), China (60%), and India (55%).
The sense of urgency in Nigeria and South Africa is driven by the rapid technological shifts experienced in recent years. Respondents noted a pressing need to develop skills aligned with emerging trends, including digital literacy, critical thinking, and STEM competencies.
Dr. Seamus McGuinness, Research Professor, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), commented:
“Over half of workers in major economies feel their skills could become obsolete within just five years. This concern underscores an opportunity: governments, businesses, and communities must channel this anxiety into proactive solutions, creating accessible pathways for upskilling and reskilling. Technological progress must be matched by investments in human potential to ensure no worker is left behind.”
Automation Anxiety
The report also reveals that 21% of respondents in both Nigeria and South Africa believe their jobs could eventually be replaced by robots or computers. This aligns with global trends, where countries such as China (36%), India (26%), and Australia (25%) also report high levels of automation anxiety.
With Nigeria and South Africa experiencing significant economic shifts toward automation in manufacturing, finance, and agriculture, the findings underscore the urgency of fostering a workforce equipped with both technical and human-centric skills to thrive in an AI-driven world.
Barriers to Upskilling in Africa’s Key Economies
The report identifies several barriers to upskilling in Nigeria and South Africa. Time constraints remain a significant challenge, with over 40% of respondents globally citing lack of time as a hindrance to pursuing new skills. Financial challenges also pose a major concern, as 39% of participants indicated that the affordability of training programs limits their ability to upskill. Additionally, limited alignment between government, private sector, and education systems further complicates access to effective training and development programs.
Confidence in Government Support
The research reveals that workers in both Nigeria and South Africa place greater confidence in businesses to lead upskilling efforts than in government. Only 19% of respondents globally expressed confidence in government-led initiatives, compared to 49% who trusted business-driven efforts.
This trust gap calls for African governments to prioritize skill development policies that address the needs of a diverse workforce while ensuring collaboration with private and nonprofit sectors.
Climate Change and Skill Development: Nigeria Among the Most Affected
Nigeria emerged as one of the countries where climate change significantly influences upskilling decisions, with 26% of respondents noting its impact. This contrasts with lower awareness in countries less acutely affected by environmental challenges. These findings suggest an opportunity for Nigeria to integrate green skills into workforce development strategies.
Essential Skills for a Technology-Driven World
The report highlights the importance of cognitive, management, socio-emotional, and STEM skills in navigating today’s dynamic labor market. Respondents in Nigeria and South Africa highlighted cognitive skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving, as top priorities for future-proofing their careers.
The full report and an executive summary of the findings is available to download https://we.tl/t-YWZx5kjN2X
The Global Labor Market Conference will host the second edition of its annual meeting at the King Abdulaziz International Convention Center in Riyadh from January 29-30, 2025.
Registration for the 2025 event is now open. If you are interested in attending, please register here.