The future of work in Africa: harnessing the potential of digital technologies for all

The Future of Work in Africa focuses on the key themes of creating productive jobs and \naddressing the needs of those left behind. It highlights how global trends, especially the \nadoption of digital technologies, may change the nature of work in Sub-Saharan Africa by \ncreating new opportunities and challenges. It argues that, contrary to global fears of worker \ndisplacement by new technologies, African countries can develop an inclusive future of work, \nwith opportunities for lower-skilled workers. Harnessing these opportunities is, however, \ncontingent on implementing policies and making productive investments in four main areas. \nThese are enabling inclusive digital technologies; building human capital for a young, rapidly \ngrowing, and largely low-skilled labor force; increasing the productivity of informal workers \nand enterprises; and extending social protection coverage to mitigate the risks associated with \ndisruptions to labor markets. This companion report to the World Bank’s World Development \nReport 2019 concludes with important policy questions that should guide future research, \nwhose findings could lead to more inclusive growth for African nations.