Africa surges ahead in workplace AI adoption, PwC Report Finds

With the fastest uptake of AI tools worldwide, the continent’s youthful workforce and digital momentum could reshape productivity and the future of work

A new PwC report shows that Africa is adopting workplace AI faster than any other region, with 64 percent of employees saying they used AI tools over the past year, well above the global average of 54 percent. The Africa Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey 2025, which includes responses from nearly 1,800 workers across Algeria, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa, suggests that the continent’s digital acceleration is gaining momentum and could play a central role in improving productivity and competitiveness.

Although overall adoption is high, daily use remains limited. Only 17 percent of respondents say they rely on AI every day, and many employees still are not using AI for workflow support, scheduling or automation. This indicates that while AI is entering African workplaces, most organisations are still in early adoption stages, focusing mainly on analytics and basic task enhancement rather than full operational transformation.

Even so, workers are optimistic. Among those who used generative AI in the past year, most say it helped them deliver higher-quality work, and more than 70 percent expect AI to meaningfully boost productivity within the next few years. Rather than treating AI as a threat, many employees, particularly younger workers, view it as a tool that can support their growth. The continent’s youthful, digitally fluent workforce plays a major role in this openness to experimentation, and the survey also shows stronger-than-average access to skills development and managerial support, which may be helping adoption move faster than in other regions.

Several factors appear to be driving Africa’s lead. A younger workforce is more comfortable with digital tools, and many organisations do not have the heavy legacy systems that slow transformation in other markets. Companies also face strong pressure to improve efficiency in environments where margins, infrastructure and regulation can pose challenges. Combined with a strong learning culture, this creates fertile ground for faster implementation.

However, the report also highlights risks. Only about a third of workers believe their skills will remain relevant in the next three years, and nearly half of current roles could be significantly reshaped by AI and automation. Most organisations have not yet integrated AI into long-term planning or workforce strategy, revealing a clear gap between individual adoption and enterprise-level readiness.

PwC notes that African businesses will need to move beyond isolated pilots, embed AI in broader organisational strategies and ensure that benefits reach employees at all levels. The survey shows that many companies in the region score above global averages in trust, psychological safety and purpose alignment, qualities that can help accelerate transformation if paired with structured planning and investment.

Overall, the findings suggest that Africa is well positioned to play a larger role in the global future of work. High AI adoption could become a competitive advantage as global companies compete for digital talent and pursue growth in emerging markets. But real impact will depend on whether organisations can turn early enthusiasm into lasting change, supported by stronger infrastructure, clear regulation and inclusive skills development. The coming years will determine whether Africa converts its early momentum into a long-term leadership position in the global AI landscape.