By Ruth Adebayo and Oluwatobi Aroyehun
Workers around the world have been advised to prepare for the imminent loss of no less than 92 million jobs by the year 2030, as a result of current advancements in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The scary statistics was made known in a new report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) which also predicted that the loss of 92 million jobs, representing 8% of the world’s workforce, becomes certain as 41% of employers globally will reduce their staff numbers with the automation of more tasks by AI.
According to the WEF, the endangered jobs include roles such as graphic designers and legal secretaries, which are increasingly being replaced by generative AI tools capable of performing tasks traditionally handled by humans.
While stating that “AI and big data top the list of fastest-growing skills, followed closely by networks, cybersecurity, and technology literacy”, the WEF noted that “many workers do not have the skills needed for evolving job roles.”
Despite the envisaged job losses, the WEF expressed optimism that AI will also create new job opportunities as 170 million new roles will emerge by the same year 2030. This will lead to a net job growth of 7%, or 78 million jobs worldwide.
The report added that employers of labour are equally planning to retrain, with “77% of businesses planning to train their existing staff to work with AI.”
“While technology will enhance productivity, it’s essential that workers are equipped with the skills to adapt to this transformation. Without proper support, millions of workers may face job displacement,” the report said.
