AI readiness in 2019 and beyond: empowering our people to achieve more
"There is a growing understanding that in order to reach our AI and digital potential – and reap the benefits of the innovation that will follow – we need to adopt the practice of lifelong learning." Abu Ltaif, President, Microsoft Middle East & Africa
By Samer Abu Ltaif, President, Microsoft Middle East & Africa
One of the most encouraging predictions for 2019 and beyond is that the field of artificial intelligence will create more jobs than it will eliminate. Specifically, the AI sector will create 133 million new jobs globally over the next three years. That is a net gain of 58 million jobs over the 75 million predicted to be displaced by automation.
But what will those jobs look like? In the Middle East and North Africa, the picture is more complex and opportunity-rich than the simple idea of robots replacing people. New digital opportunities are emerging in traditional areas like oil and gas, aviation, transportation and healthcare. We must also consider the rapid burst of urbanization occurring all over the globe, particularly in Africa, where the number of people moving to cities doubled over the past 15 years and will double again over the next 15.