Replacing Human Labour with Artificial Intelligence in Developing Countries Is a Ticking Time Bomb
From chatbots handling customer service to AI-powered tractors in agriculture, the shift is not only real—it’s acceleratin
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By Eric Maina Kamau | Researcher | bshrmlmr301422@spu.ac.ke
In a time like this—so rich in intelligences: artificial, computational, and human—the mystery of efficiency in job environments has led to the adoption of simulated intelligence machines that think and act like human beings. In Third World countries, where human labor is the backbone of both the formal and informal sectors—particularly in agriculture, textiles, transport, and customer service—millions depend on low-skilled employment for survival, often with limited access to formal education or digital skills.
However, AI-powered systems and automation are increasingly being deployed to replace these jobs. From chatbots handling customer service to AI-powered tractors in agriculture, the shift is not only real—it’s accelerating.
As Vusi Thembekwayo rightly states, “African countries usually adopt first-world country ideas to solve problems in third-world countries.” But let’s face it: Third World problems don’t require First World solutions—especially not ones that replace human labor with artificial intelligence.
In many developing nations, large segments of the population rely heavily on manual and low-skilled jobs. In fact, the rate at which blue-collar jobs are created often surpasses the rate of white-collar job creation. Therefore, the unchecked adoption of AI is more likely to cause harm than good in the real economy. It’s creating unemployment in an “educated” way, which raises an important question: Is there any logic in creating unemployment in a country where unemployment is already a serious national disaster?
Why This Is a Ticking Time Bomb:
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Mass Unemployment: AI will likely displace millions of both blue- and white-collar jobs across various industries. In Kenya, for example, robots are already acting as waiters in high-end restaurants. These robots take orders and serve customers just like human waiters. While impressive, such developments can only lead to higher unemployment rates.
At the Robot’s Cafe in Kenya’s Capital ,Image Tony Karumba/AFP (DW-Article)-https://www.dw.com/en/kenyas-robot-waiters-cause-a-stir/g-70143518 -
Social and Political Instability: Mass unemployment is a recipe for chaos. Unemployment and poverty are key drivers of civil unrest. The rise in joblessness due to AI could fuel protests, crime, and instability—especially in urban areas.
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Brain Drain and Technological Dependency: As domestic opportunities dwindle, skilled workers may emigrate, worsening the brain drain. At the same time, an overreliance on foreign AI technologies may stifle local innovation and erode national technological sovereignty.
Strategies to Mitigate the Risks:
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Regulate the Pace of Automation: Governments should control how fast automation is adopted in labor-intensive sectors. Without proper regulation, AI could wipe out millions of low-skilled jobs, leaving nations unprepared. Unlike developed countries, most developing nations lack adequate safety nets or retraining programs to support displaced workers.
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Promote Human-AI Collaboration: Instead of viewing AI as a replacement, countries should explore ways for humans and machines to work together. For instance, AI can assist teachers in grading or help farmers with crop analysis—augmenting human labor rather than replacing it.
As an observer, I may sound retrogressive, but as mentioned earlier, First World ideas should not be blindly implemented in Third World countries. The unchecked rollout of AI could be catastrophic. By learning from global trends and developing inclusive, forward-thinking policies, these nations can achieve a balance between technological advancement and social stability.
The choice is not between humans or machines—but rather how both can coexist to drive sustainable development. But I could also be wrong.
Can the leaders in Third World countries hear the sound of the alarm? Someone, please tell them—it’s a ticking time bomb.
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