As the economy evolves through innovation and technology, one question remains: is artificial intelligence (AI) here to take away our jobs, or empower the workforce? As part of The New Times' X-space series, a discussion held on Wednesday, October 2, explored the potential impact of AI on Rwanda's workforce.
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Different experts, including Pamela Mudakikwa, a communications consultant, Victor Muvunyi, the Senior Technologist for Emerging Technologies at the Ministry of ICT, Malik Shaffy, the CEO of 63 Inc, and Allen Kendunga, the Chief Executive Officer at Talent Match Inc, were part of the conversation. Malik first explained the concept of AI. He said that instead of just following exact instructions, AI can use different patterns and information to solve problems, make decisions, or even talk to people.
He gave the example of traffic cameras in Rwanda, which incorporate AI to detect speeding. "If you&039;re driving, there's a sensor that senses your speed, takes a picture, sends it to a server, analyses that picture, and sends the result back to you," he explained, adding that this technology reduces the number of policemen required on the road.
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"One machine is doing what maybe 20 policemen would have done in 24 hours," he added.
Addressing the concern of AI replacing jobs, Malik acknowledged the fear but said it is partly a misconception.
"AI can replace certain jobs, especially those involving repetitive tasks like on the road or in data entry. But it also helps us improve other jobs, particularly in technology. AI makes our jobs easier, faster, and allows people to focus on more complex and meaningful work instead of boring, repetitive tasks. AI will eliminate some jobs, but it will also create new opportunities and make other jobs more efficient," he added.
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Kendunga emphasised Malik&039;s point, saying, "It is true that some jobs, particularly in Rwanda, are already being replaced by AI. Even though the pace is slower here compared to other places, you can slowly see AI creeping into our lives."
She cited the same example of road speed cameras, the AI system replacing police officers on Rwandan roads.
"However, if you think about it, there are more jobs being created. The department that runs the cameras didn't exist before AI. Today, there's a department entirely dedicated to running them effectively and making sure the data is leveraged and cleaned," she said.
AI will require us, as Rwandans, to adjust our skills, Kendunga said.
"If you’re doing a routine, mundane task every day, there's a high chance you'll be replaced, but AI still needs humans to feed it information. You'll remain relevant if you continue to work on the skills necessary to stay competitive in the AI-driven economy," she added.
Muvunyi added: "This isn't news. Repetitive jobs that can be automated are at risk. But AI feeds on data, so we're seeing a trend of new jobs emerging in data management. Businesses are beginning to realise that the data generated by digitising services is like gold. This data helps them expand and improve their services," he said.
He said that whenever a new technology emerges, there is disruption, but there’s also opportunity.
"People who are literate in data science, automation, and AI programming will find plenty of new job opportunities. We’re projecting that in five to 10 years, AI will contribute about 6 per cent to Rwanda's GDP, and we're already seeing these trends in sectors like agriculture," Muvunyi said.
Mudakikwa emphasised the importance of identifying jobs that cannot be replaced by AI, stating, "We need to be strategic and ask ourselves: what are the jobs that cannot be automated?”
She urged for research and a shift in education policies to focus on roles that are irreplaceable by technology. She also noted the opportunities AI brings, particularly in fields like coding and technology.
"We need to strengthen our education system to prepare students for the opportunities AI offers, like through Rwanda Coding Academy.”