As we head into 2025, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has outlined a transformative future in its latest Future of Jobs Report. The study projects that by 2030, artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technology will not only displace millions of jobs but will also create a staggering 170 million new roles globally.
The report offers a sobering look at the shifting dynamics of the global labour market, forecasting a total displacement of 92 million jobs, even as the rise of AI and automation fuels the creation of entirely new sectors and job types. It is a future shaped by AI’s dual role as both a job eliminator and creator, signalling the start of one of the most profound economic transitions since the Industrial Revolution.
The Rise of AI: A Transformational Shift
The WEF’s findings are drawn from a survey of 1,000 companies across 22 industries and 55 countries, collectively employing over 14 million workers. These organisations are currently navigating a landscape marked by technological disruption, demographic shifts, and economic uncertainty.
Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director of the WEF, observes, “As we enter 2025, the work environment is evolving at a rapid pace. Breakthroughs in generative AI are reshaping industries and tasks across all sectors, offering a glimpse of what the workforce of tomorrow might look like.”
While AI’s potential to replace routine, manual tasks has sparked fears of widespread unemployment, it’s increasingly clear that the technology could empower workers, especially in roles that require less specialisation. Instead of replacing jobs, AI is enabling people to take on more complex tasks. For example, jobs such as teaching assistants, accounting clerks, and nurses could be enhanced through AI tools, broadening the scope of what employees can achieve.
Disrupting Traditional Sectors: The Role of Robotics and Automation
The WEF highlights that AI is also revolutionising industries such as manufacturing, with robotics deployments heavily concentrated in countries like China, Japan, and the United States. These five nations alone account for 80% of global robot installations, underscoring the disparity in technological adoption across different regions.
In advanced economies, more than 60% of employers anticipate significant changes due to robotics and AI, whereas in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, this figure drops to around 40%. Judith Wiese, Chief People and Sustainability Officer at Siemens, points out, “In the manufacturing sector, the rapid pace of technological change means that skills become outdated quickly. A degree that takes five years to complete might be outdated by the time it is finished.”
The WEF reports that 39% of current skills are expected to become obsolete between 2025 and 2030. While this is a slight improvement from previous years, it still presents a major challenge for both workers and employers. In response, 85% of employers are prioritising upskilling initiatives to prepare their workforces for this new reality.
AI’s Role in Shaping the Workforce of Tomorrow
In response to these shifts, global investment in AI technologies has surged, particularly in generative AI, which saw funding increase nearly eightfold after the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in 2022. This influx of capital is not only directed towards software and algorithms but also towards building the physical infrastructure required to support AI, such as data centres and energy plants.
As AI continues to evolve, it is clear that its impact on the workforce will vary significantly depending on the region. In higher-income economies, the uptake of AI and automation tools has been swift, whereas lower-income nations are lagging behind. The WEF also notes that AI is proving particularly effective in enhancing the skills and performance of younger workers, suggesting that, in many cases, AI will act as a tool for upskilling rather than job replacement.
Preparing for Change: The Importance of Upskilling
The challenge ahead for businesses and employees alike is clear: to navigate the coming wave of change, it is critical that workers adapt to new technological realities. In fact, the WEF’s report found that 63% of employers identify skill gaps as the main barrier to successful business transformation, and as a result, they are focusing on workforce upskilling as a primary strategy.
The demand for tech-related skills is growing at a rapid pace, with roles in data science, AI, and fintech among those expanding the fastest. At the same time, there is an increasing need for workers in industries such as renewable energy, environmental conservation, and the care economy—sectors which are expected to see significant growth due to demographic shifts and climate change concerns.
The WEF’s report underscores the urgent need for tech education as part of any comprehensive upskilling strategy. With nearly 40% of current job skills expected to change in the next few years, the pressure is on for both employers and workers to invest in continuous learning and development.
Looking Ahead: A Transformative Future
While the future of work remains uncertain, one thing is clear: AI is set to revolutionise industries, creating new opportunities even as it disrupts traditional employment models. For many workers, the path forward will require a proactive approach to learning, an embrace of new technologies, and a willingness to adapt to an ever-evolving labour market.
As Saadia Zahidi warns, however, the road ahead will not be without its challenges. “These technological advances are converging with a host of broader issues, including economic volatility, geopolitical shifts, and environmental challenges. The workforce of tomorrow will need to be equipped to navigate not just technological change, but a complex and rapidly shifting global landscape.”
In the end, the key to thriving in the AI-powered future lies in how individuals and organisations respond to this unprecedented wave of change. The potential is vast, but so too are the challenges that lie ahead.
