Technology Expert Ali Kingston Mwila has warned […]

Technology Expert Ali Kingston Mwila has warned that AI has the potential to deepen the country’s unemployment, the concern is growing over the negative impact of AI on developing countries.

 According to Mwila, some of the world’s biggest technology companies have already begun laying off workers as industries continue adapting to technological changes and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Speaking in an exclusive interview with Zambian Business Times-ZBT, technology expert Ali Kingston Mwila said that technology has always been developed to solve human problems across different sectors such as transport, medicine, security, education and agriculture. While technology experts acknowledge that AI can improve efficiency and solve major challenges in sectors such as agriculture, health and education, fears remain that automation could worsen unemployment if the country fails to bridge the gap between education, skills development and industry demands.

“Technology is always implemented to solve certain problems. It is the art of finding ways of how problems can be resolved,” he said.

He also noted that global organisations, including the World Economic Forum, had years ago warned that the rise of artificial intelligence, robotics and the Internet of Things would eventually replace millions of jobs and skills. He cited companies such as OpenAI, Google, Amazon and Microsoft, adding that some institutions are also investing in retraining workers with new digital skills.

“They may lay off some employees but retain others after equipping them with new skills,” he explained. “What we know is that Zambia already has a huge unemployment problem and universities continue producing graduates that the labour market cannot fully absorb,” he said.

 He added that although concerns over AI continue to grow, there is currently no official research in Zambia directly linking artificial intelligence to rising unemployment levels.

“To see whether AI is already a contributing factor in Zambia, I do not have a direct answer because there are no official reports or research institutions that have made such a declaration,” he said. Mwila also highlighted the growing disconnect between academia and industry, saying Zambia’s education system still faces challenges in providing learners with practical exposure.

He said there is inadequate collaboration between learning institutions and industries, particularly in the provision of internships and research opportunities.

 “Maybe only two or three students out of a class of 50 or 100 graduates manage to get internship opportunities. Today, getting an internship is almost like getting a job,” he said.

He further explained that the lack of research collaboration between universities and industries continues widening the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry expectations. According to the tech expert, many industries do not allocate enough resources towards research and innovation, making it difficult for academic institutions to contribute practical solutions to industrial challenges.

 He explained that technologies such as remotely controlled tractors and unmanned farming equipment could replace hundreds of workers who depend on manual labour for survival.

“Technology is an enabler in human development, but we must also consider the impact it may have on the livelihoods of citizens and the economy,” he said. Despite these concerns, Mwila said artificial intelligence is also expected to create new forms of employment and specialised careers that did not exist years ago. He noted that some routine jobs may eventually disappear, but new opportunities in innovation, design thinking and digital technologies are likely to emerge as industries continue evolving.

Article Karen Ngulube