AI for the MEA: Building the Next Generation of Talent in Emerging Economies

Today’s technologies like AI, are finding wider business applications at an unprecedented pace and scale. AI allows for the automation of many manual tasks, which can significantly alter the scope of work an employee does. While the current average half-life of a skill is less than 5 years, and 2.5 years for the tech industry, AI is expected to bring this down even further.  

As the AI revolution takes over, the World Economic Forum makes an interesting observation, A recent survey showed that emerging economies were more hands-on with and optimistic about AI tools than developed nations.  

Emerging economies are increasingly leveraging AI for non-economic development in areas such as health, job transformation, and sustainability, for instance, the use of AI-based telemedicine in Ghana during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

AI has clearly demonstrated that it is here to stay. Now the focus is on concerns like an ageing workforce, creating new jobs, reskilling, and upskilling. Thinking about these critical issues can help organizations align internal skills with their objectives, particularly for a huge market like the Middle East and North Africa. With an estimated 320Bn by 2030 being expected to be amassed by MENA from value added by AI, there is a need for organizations to address AI talent-related concerns in the region.   

What Drives the Need for AI Talent in the MEA 

As mentioned earlier, AI has the potential to revolutionize work as we know it today. In some ways, we can liken the transformative nature of this emerging technology to that of the industrial revolution. While the Industrial Revolution may have been responsible for automating several types of work, it also resulted in many more new forms of work for overall economic upliftment.  

The benefits of AI adoption in the Middle East can be vast given its potential to increase worker productivity manifold. The technology will likely find application in almost every sector, including highly demanding sectors such as finance, healthcare, and agriculture.  

Rather than thinking of AI as a labor-replacing tool, it can be seen as a tool that changes the role of the worker. The human touch will be more important than ever, and it will raise the value of human-only skills like creativity, empathy, decision-making, and problem-solving.  

In such a scenario, it is essential for the MEA workforce to reskill and upskill themselves to fully leverage an AI-driven economy.  

Challenges and Opportunities of AI Skilling/Talent in Emerging Economies  

While AI presents numerous opportunities, certain roadblocks must be overcome as well. Let’s dive into both.  

Challenges  

Limited Infrastructure and Resources  

Compared to developed nations which are becoming first movers in the AI race, developing nations have fewer resources to invest in AI infrastructure and development. Hence, it may be harder to play catch up with the leaders in the AI sector.  

Language Barriers  

The current cutting-edge developments in AI are taking place in the United States which is an English-first nation. Hence, there may be a language barrier preventing people in the Middle East from accessing AI research and tools.    

Lack of Awareness and Education 

With developments taking place in English and foreign countries, awareness about AI is still quite low in the Middle East, which may reduce the momentum of AI adoption.  

Opportunities  

Leapfrogging Legacy Infrastructure  

Emerging nations can leapfrog straight into an AI-driven economy. There may be no need to first build infrastructure and capabilities in technology that may become outdated once AI develops.  

Focus on Innovation and Localization  

Domestic entrepreneurs and researchers have the opportunity to innovate and build AI products that are meant for local users. They can adapt existing AI technology to suit the needs of the MEA market.  

Building a Collaborative Environment  

Artificial intelligence presents a great opportunity for collaboration not just between diverse companies but also between companies and the government. With proper support and collaboration, reaching frontiers in AI may be within reach for MEA nations.  

Successful Projects and Initiatives in AI Skilling in the MEA  

1. Microsoft’s New AI Skills Training and Resources as part of Skill for Jobs Initiative 

Microsoft has taken the initiative to bring AI skills training and resources to workers in the Middle East. This program is off to a flying start with lots of interest from professionals.  

1. UAE's AI office and ADGMA collaboration  

The UAE’s AI office has kicked off a collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Global Market Academy (ADGMA) on teaching digital skills to professionals. This is a first-of-its-kind project to help 5000 professionals learn AI skills. The aim is to promote national talent and bolster the UAE’s position as a technological leader. 

1. Microsoft's Centre of Excellence in association with PwC ME 

Another initiative Microsoft has taken towards AI skilling is its partnership with PwC Middle East. The plan is to launch a Centre of Excellence that will help professionals upskill and get involved in the development of AI capabilities. This is similar to the initiative Microsoft has taken in India to upskill 2 million workers. 

End Note

The potential of AI for emerging economies is immense, especially in the MENA region. It is estimated that the potential impact of AI for the Middle East will be US$320 billion by 2030. 

MENA regions can make an AI-ready workforce to prepare for the future. An AI-skilled workforce can address pressing local and economic challenges. However, roadblocks such as infrastructure limitations and lack of awareness will need to be addressed.  

On an individual level, employees need to upskill themselves with AI training to ensure a future-ready career. Meanwhile, governments, policymakers, educators, and companies need to integrate AI education into curriculums and core operations and create a favorable ecosystem for AI development.