South Africa is emerging as an unlikely frontrunner in the AI race. Adoption rates of generative AI tools among its workforce outpace those of many developed nations, painting a picture of a country rapidly digitising its economy. This digital surge is fuelled by a youthful, tech-savvy population eager to harness the power of AI.
According to recent data from the Oliver Wyman Forum, over 60% of South African workers use generative AI tools regularly, with 21% integrating them into their daily work. These figures are higher than those for France (41%), the United Kingdom (44%), and even the United States (46%). Only tech-focused countries like India and Singapore show higher adoption rates.
However, this enthusiasm for AI presents challenges. It disrupts traditional work paradigms and raises concerns about an uncertain future. The same report indicates that 70% of white-collar workers in South Africa fear AI automation, believing that 45% of their jobs could be automated. This fear resonates globally but is particularly strong in South Africa, which struggles with one of the worlds highest unemployment rates.
"There's a palpable sense of both excitement and dread," says Prejlin Naidoo, a partner at Oliver Wyman. "Workers see the potential of AI to revolutionize their productivity, but they're also acutely aware of its capacity to render certain roles obsolete."
This fear is reflected in the workforces demand for AI skills. Nearly 85% of South African workers want AI training, recognising its growing importance. However, of the 78% currently receiving training, more than half find it inadequate. This inadequacy threatens to widen the skills gap in South Africas labour market.
