Thematic Lunch: Investing in Africa

Over the last decade, widespread debate has occurred over the opportunities and risks of Africa's fast-growing youth population and the implications which this will have on Africa's workforce. How do we unlock Africa's massive workforce talent both for the continent and on the global scale for decades to come? Are there other geographies which African leaders should be drawing inspiration from as they position their nations for a new era in an increasingly globalized workforce? As working populations become older in many Western nations and African nations experience a rise in youth talent, what implications does this have for the dynamic of global talent and migration? Finally, which sectors should Africa be prioritizing its talent development efforts in to ensure a well-balanced skills distribution?

‍

Africa stands at the precipice of a technological revolution, and artificial intelligence (AI) holds the key to unlocking unprecedented opportunities across the continent. From healthcare to agriculture, finance to education, the potential applications of AI are boundless. Yet, alongside this promise lie unique challenges that demand innovative solutions. Our expert panelists will explore the intricacies of integrating AI tools within diverse African contexts. We'll investigate how AI can drive economic growth, enhance social inclusivity, and revolutionize public services. From fostering local talent to navigating regulatory frameworks, we'll dissect the challenges and outline actionable strategies.

Africa’s economy downshifted over the last decade, yet half of its people live in countries that have thrived on the continent. Africa has the human capital and natural resources to accelerate productivity and reimagine its economic growth, which is, more than ever, vital for the welfare of the world. The fireside chat will feature a presentation of key insights from McKinsey Global’ s 2023 Reimagining Economic Growth in Africa report.