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Insights into future of jobs

Demographic and geopolitical changes will further influence jobs.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 predicts that 170 million new jobs will be created in this decade while over 92 million jobs will be lost. Insights from over 1,000 employers across 55 economies in the report show that access to digital facilities and ICT will impact 60 per cent of businesses.

On the other hand, enhanced penetration and use of Big Data, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity will create new jobs such as AI and machine learning specialists and software developers while eliminating clerical jobs. In other words, cashiers, auditors, accountants, housekeepers and administrative assistants may not have jobs between 2025 and 2030.

On job growth, the report anticipates a net job increase of 78 million by 2030 because the various economic factors like cost of living and slowdowns will push for skills in creative thinking and resilience. Green initiatives will spur demand for renewable energy experts and Autonomous vehicle specialists.

Demographic and geopolitical changes will further influence jobs. In Kenya, for example, the median age is 19.8 years, meaning that more jobs for youths must be generated going forward. Kenya is currently implementing a 10-year digital masterplan (2022-2032), through which the government has 19 flagship programmes and projects, key of which is the laying of 100,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable; setting up 25,000 free Wi-Fi hotspots; and establishing 1,450 ICT hubs in all wards. Stakeholders should join hands with the government and operationalise these ICT hubs through public-private partnerships to generate jobs.

The report provides valuable insights for those who have just completed high school as they select careers that are aligned to the future of work. Higher education institutions should also develop programmes that match market demand, improving the employability of their graduates.

Dr Giti is an urban management, PPP and environment specialist. [email protected].