BongoHive AI Lab recently took part in an Artificial Intelligence Career Talk designed to help young people understand the opportunities, applications and future of work in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Held under the theme “Opportunities, Applications & the Future of Work,” the session was delivered through Skills2Live × Young Africa and featured Aubrey Undi Phiri, an AI Researcher and Applied Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Specialist at BongoHive AI Lab.

The session focused on making AI more accessible and relevant to participants, highlighting that many people already interact with AI every day through tools such as voice transcription, Google Maps, mobile money systems, social media platforms and autocorrect.

A key part of the discussion addressed the question, “Will AI replace me?” Participants were encouraged to move beyond fear and instead focus on learning how to use AI as a tool to complement their existing skills.

The conversation also explored practical applications of AI across different fields, including metal fabrication and engineering, electrical engineering and solar energy, cosmetology and hairdressing, and food production. Participants were challenged to identify ways AI could support their own trades and businesses.

The session further highlighted accessible tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Canva AI, WhatsApp Business, Google Translate and CapCut AI that can help with business ideas, marketing, customer communication and content creation.

Importantly, the discussion reinforced that human skills remain essential. Judgement, cultural intelligence, empathy, relationships and the ability to adapt are qualities that AI cannot replace.

The key message was simple: the future is not AI versus people, but AI plus people.

Through initiatives such as this career talk, BongoHive AI Lab continues to support conversations that equip young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to navigate the opportunities emerging from artificial intelligence.