Africa Must Upskill Workforce to Minimize AI-Driven Job Distruption- Daodu
By Blessing Umebali
Folajimi Daodu, the Chief Executive Officer, of Vault Hill and a prominent voice in artificial intelligence (AI), has called on African governments, private sector leaders, and individuals to harness AI as a catalyst for economic transformation. Daodu, recently appointed Chief Strategy Officer and Board Member of the Nigeria in Diaspora Chamber of Commerce, will share his insights on “AI and Marketing Workflow: Disruption or Opportunity” at the Brand Journalists’ Conference on November 28 in Lagos.
In an exclusive interview, Daodu discussed the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption, highlighting both its potential benefits and risks. “AI has both positive and negative sides,” he said. “We must open our minds to the opportunities while preparing for potential pitfalls. AI is here to stay, and we must learn to work with it as a co-collaborator.”
Addressing concerns about job displacement, Daodu drew parallels with previous industrial revolutions, emphasizing the need for workers to upskill and reskill. “Some jobs will become obsolete, but advocacy and education can mitigate this,” he said. “The responsibility to upskill lies with governments, employers, and individuals. The internet has democratized learning, enabling us to acquire new skills quickly.”
He also highlighted the importance of ethics and transparency in AI adoption, urging attribution for AI-generated content. “If you use AI to create work, attribute it. Ethics, legal frameworks, and intellectual property must be taken seriously to build trust,” he emphasized.
Regarding the cost of AI adoption, Daodu acknowledged that it can be expensive, but stressed that the benefits outweigh the costs. He identified manufacturing and logistics as industries likely to face significant disruption and urged employers to upskill their workforce.
To fully leverage AI, Daodu called on African leaders to treat it with the same urgency as mobile telephony. “Africa can leapfrog again,” he said. “We need intentional investment, execution capability, and bold leadership to make it real. Leaders must empower their teams, experiment, and build for the youth who will lead tomorrow.”
With some African countries already developing AI strategies, Daodu’s insights offer a timely reminder of the potential for AI to drive economic growth and transformation on the continent.
