Experts call on youth to use AI to create jobs, drive innovation

DAR ES SALAAM: YOUNG people have been urged to strengthen their Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills to create self-employment opportunities, improve workplace productivity and build innovative businesses in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

The call was made by NileAGI and Log AI cofounder, Mr Isaac Odero during Innovation Week 2026 in Dar es Salaam, where he said rapid advances in AI require continuous learning to keep pace with emerging technologies.

“Things are moving very quickly. If you spend a month without studying or following what is happening in AI, you will find that many new developments have emerged,” Mr Odero told the Daily New in an interview.

He said young people aspiring to become entrepreneurs should recognise that building technology businesses requires patience, continuous learning and resilience.

According to Mr Odero, AI is transforming sectors ranging from journalism and business to education and creative industries by helping people complete tasks more efficiently and make better use of their time.

He cited journalism as one example, saying reporters can use AI to analyse major global events and generate summaries that support further research.

However, he cautioned that AI should never replace reporting, research or factchecking. “It should be used as a tool to improve efficiency, not as a substitute for verification,” he said.

Mr Odero said AI can also help people navigate lengthy documents by allowing users to ask questions about specific sections instead of reading entire documents without guidance.

He added that designers can use AI to create posters and other communication materials, while entrepreneurs can use it to improve products and customer services.

Despite growing interest in AI, Mr Odero said public understanding of the technology remains limited. “Many people know AI only as ChatGPT. There is still no deeper understanding of AI, its effects and how it works,” he said.

He said Log AI was established to expand AI education among individuals, schools and institutions and help build practical digital skills across the country.

Mr Odero also highlighted challenges facing young people seeking to establish technology start-ups, saying many lack financial backing and emotional support from families and society.

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He said graduates are often expected to find employment immediately to support their families, making it difficult for them to pursue businesses that may take time to become profitable.

“Self-employment requires time, emotional support and financial support,” he said. Mr Odero called on the government to establish dedicated technology funds for young innovators and create an environment that enables technology companies to grow.

He also urged greater investment in training teachers and AI specialists to increase the country’s capacity to teach the rapidly evolving technology.

While describing AI as a powerful opportunity, Mr Odero warned that it can also be misused. He cited the growing risk of editing people’s images without consent and sharing inappropriate content online, saying ethical use of AI is becoming increasingly important.

“The main challenge is not the technology itself, but how people choose to use it,” he said. He added, “AI has increased people’s ability to do things.

It has introduced new capabilities, but the mistakes remain the same, users must to respect people’s privacy and use AI responsibly to avoid causing harm or humiliation to others,”.

Mr Odero expressed confidence that NileAGI and Log AI would continue expanding over the next five years, while building stronger partnerships with government institutions and the private sector to promote responsible AI adoption and innovation.