As the world’s leaders in government, business, and civil society convened in Davos, Switzerland, for the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) from January 20-24, 2025, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) stood its place on the global stage. Representing the institution as part of the South African delegation was Professor Erika Kraemer-Mbula, a distinguished economist from UJ’s College of Business and Economics (CBE) and a member of the WEF Global Future Council on the Future of Job Creation.
Prof Kraemer-Mbula, Chairholder: DSI/NRF Trilateral Chair in Transformative Innovation, the 4IR and Sustainable Development (TRCTI), shared her thought-provoking contributions at two high-profile panel discussions that not only highlighted UJ’s academic excellence but also highlighted Africa’s potential as a pivotal player in the future of work. Her participation in Davos was marked by her involvement in two dynamic panel discussions, both addressing the pressing global challenges posed by rapid digital transformation and its impact on labour markets:
Redrawing the Geography of Jobs: In this session, she explored how advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies are reshaping labour markets. She brought a distinctly African perspective to the conversation, focusing on the challenges and opportunities posed by informality in African economies. Prof. Kraemer-Mbula also emphasised Africa’s potential to emerge as a “global talent hub,” particularly in rapidly growing sectors such as the green economy, which hold the promise of inclusive and sustainable growth.
Flexibility 2.0: This forward-looking discussion centred on how resilience and adaptability can shape the future of work in an era dominated by automation and AI. Prof. Kraemer-Mbula called for innovative yet inclusive frameworks that address the realities of informal economies, ensuring that the benefits of technological advancements extend to all sectors of society.
Her insights resonated with leaders, showcasing Africa’s unique position and the critical need for global partnerships to unlock its full potential.
Prof Kraemer-Mbula also hosted a special session at South Africa House in Davos titled UJ@20: Advancing Global Partnerships, Innovation, and 4IR for a Better Future. This showcase celebrated the University of Johannesburg’s remarkable journey over the past two decades, highlighting its rise as a leader in innovation, research, and global collaboration.
During the session, Prof Kraemer-Mbula highlighted UJ’s commitment to leveraging the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) to address Africa’s most pressing societal challenges. From fostering groundbreaking research to forging global partnerships, UJ has consistently positioned itself at the forefront of transformative innovation.
She shared how UJ’s vision of being a globally engaged institution has resulted in significant strides in addressing issues such as sustainability, digital inclusion, and social impact. “Our journey over the past 20 years reflects a bold commitment to reimagine higher education as a driver of innovation, inclusion, and global relevance,” she said.
