Artificial Intelligence is already changing the world, and on Mwelekeo TV, host Mercy Otieno sat down with Soita Wafula to discuss what this means for Africa’s future.
Their discussion focused on one major question: will Africa benefit from the AI revolution or will the continent fall behind as other parts of the world move faster?
The conversation made it clear that AI is no longer a future idea. It is already part of daily life, affecting businesses, jobs, education, and communication across the world.
During the discussion, Soita explained how quickly AI has grown over the last few years. According to him, AI has already created massive wealth for people and companies that understood its potential early enough.
This rapid growth has caused fear among many workers and young people who worry that machines and automation could take away jobs.
However, Soita argued that AI itself is not the enemy. He explained that people who refuse to adapt or learn how to use new technology are the ones most likely to struggle in the future.
Those who understand AI and use it to improve their work will remain valuable.
The conversation also looked at Africa’s current position in technology. For many years, African countries have mostly depended on technology created elsewhere. Most digital tools used on the continent are designed in Europe, America, or Asia.
Soita stressed that Africa must move beyond simply consuming technology and begin building solutions that solve local problems.
He pointed out that AI can help improve important sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, transport, and manufacturing if young innovators are given the right support and opportunities.
Education was another major issue raised during the discussion. Soita explained that many African education systems still focus heavily on memorization and preparing students to follow instructions instead of encouraging creativity and innovation.
He argued that AI will reward people who can think critically, solve problems, and create value. Without changes in education, many young people may struggle to compete in a fast-changing digital world.
He added that human skills, creativity, and independent thinking are what will determine whether Africa benefits from AI or not.
The issue of unemployment was also discussed deeply. Africa has millions of young people entering the job market every year, while opportunities remain limited.
According to Soita, the challenge is not only about a lack of jobs but also about low value creation. He explained that many people work hard but still earn little because the systems around them do not support innovation and growth.
AI, if used properly, could help businesses become more efficient and create entirely new industries. Farmers can use AI tools to predict weather and manage crops better.
Small businesses can improve customer service and marketing. Creative industries such as music, film, and digital content creation can also expand through AI-powered tools.
The discussion highlighted that there are already small signs of AI and automation appearing in Kenya and other African countries.
Some businesses in Nairobi are already experimenting with robotic services and automated systems. However, most of these technologies are imported.
This means Africa still has a long way to go in developing its own AI products and systems. Soita emphasized the importance of training young people in digital skills so they can participate directly in creating technology instead of remaining only users of foreign inventions.
The conversation acknowledged the risks that come with AI. If African governments, businesses, and schools fail to prepare, the continent could fall further behind economically and technologically.
Some routine jobs may disappear as automation grows. However, new opportunities are also expected to emerge in fields that do not even exist today.
The key challenge will be ensuring that ordinary people benefit from these changes and are not left behind while only a few companies profit.
Both Mercy and Soita agreed that action is needed now. Young people were encouraged to start learning about AI using available online tools and resources.
Governments were urged to improve internet access, modernize education systems, and support innovation. Businesses were also encouraged to train workers instead of resisting technological change.
The conversation on Mwelekeo TV showed that AI is not something Africa can ignore. The technology is already shaping the global economy, and countries that prepare early may benefit the most.
Africa still has an opportunity because of its large youth population, creativity, and growing digital space.
Whether the continent wins or falls behind will depend on how quickly leaders, businesses, and young people choose to adapt, learn, and build solutions that meet African needs.
