The Role of Higher Education and the Future of Work in Africa’s Fourth Industrial Revolution

Using the fourth industrial revolution (4IR)’s ecosystem for higher education institutions of the future as a conceptual framework, this chapter examines higher educational aspects of Africa’s readiness for the 4IR by analysing programme offerings and labour demands for the future of work. Specifically, greater attention will be on programmes that produce and prepare professionals for emerging jobs. The chapter aims to argue that, while automation may raise skill premiums required and widen economic disparities, 4IR also has the potential to boost productivity and generate new jobs in Africa. The chapter concludes that while the challenges are formidable, the opportunities for African countries in terms of the types of jobs that are likely to decline and emerge and the use of technology to overcome development barriers will depend on how organisations, educational institutions, individuals, governments, and regulatory bodies are engaged in creating the future Africa desires. As such, African higher education institutions must have a double-pronged approach: while addressing reskilling and upskilling, they will be required to also reform their curricula to emphasise the development of a high-level skilled workforce that is needed for the 4IR.