The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released its Future of Jobs Report 2025, which outlines sweeping changes in the global employment landscape.
According to the report, a combination of technological disruption, shifting demographics, economic instability, the push for greener economies, and rising geopolitical tensions are redefining the workplace at a faster pace than ever.
Among the most striking revelations is a growing list of roles that are rapidly disappearing, outpaced by automation, digital tools, and evolving customer expectations. The WEF categorizes these as the Fastest Declining Jobs and contrasts them with those witnessing growth due to digital transformation.
Key Drivers of Change by 2030
The WEF identifies five core factors driving the transition in employment trends by the end of the decade:
* Technological innovation
* Geoeconomic fragmentation
* Demographic evolution
* Economic volatility
* Environmental sustainability initiatives
These overlapping forces are collectively reshaping industries and redefining the skills that workers must bring to the table.
Manual Jobs on the Decline
A number of traditional roles are quickly losing relevance as organisations seek cost-efficiency and adopt new technologies. These include positions such as postal clerks, cashiers, and administrative assistants. Companies are increasingly turning to self-service options, digitised workflows, and AI-powered tools to streamline operations and reduce human involvement in repetitive tasks.
Sub-Saharan Africa: Navigating Unique Hurdles
In regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, businesses face their own set of difficulties—from limited capital to a mismatch between market needs and workforce capabilities. These realities have a direct impact on employment trends and talent development.
The WEF notes: “64% of businesses in the region expect an increasing focus on labour and social issues to shape their strategies between 2025 and 2030.”
Nigeria’s Evolving Job Market
In Nigeria, specific sectors, such as Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and digital services, are expanding; yet, the demand for skilled professionals remains largely unmet. A widening gap in digital expertise is seen as a threat to long-term competitiveness.
The report states: “87% of Nigerian employers anticipate a rising demand for network and cybersecurity skills by 2030, surpassing the global average of 70%.”
Top 10 Fastest Declining Jobs Globally
The following occupations are projected to undergo the sharpest contraction by 2025:
1. Postal Service Clerks
2. Bank Tellers and Related Clerks
3. Data Entry Clerks
4. Cashiers and Ticket Clerks
5. Administrative Assistants and Executive Secretaries
6. Printing and Related Trades Workers
7. Accounting, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Clerks
8. Material-Recording and Stock-Keeping Clerks
9. Transportation Attendants and Conductors
10. Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers
The decline of these roles stems primarily from advancements in automation, the widespread adoption of digital payment systems, and self-service technology.
In-Demand Roles on the Rise
On the flip side, the report also names the top 10 jobs expected to see significant growth:
1. Big Data Specialists
2. FinTech Engineers
3. AI and Machine Learning Specialists
4. Software and Applications Developers
5. Security Management Specialists
6. Data Warehousing Specialists
7. Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Specialists
8. UI and UX Designers
9. Light Truck or Delivery Services Drivers
10. Internet of Things (IoT) Specialists
These roles reflect the global shift towards digital infrastructure, intelligent automation, and sustainable transport solutions.
Future Workforce Development in Nigeria
The path forward for Nigeria’s workforce will depend heavily on education reform and infrastructure investment. The report underlines several priority areas:
* “73% of firms operating in Nigeria see the need for increased public-sector funding for reskilling and upskilling programs.”
* “40% of businesses emphasise the importance of improving transport services and infrastructure to enhance talent availability.”
The South African Perspective
Much like Nigeria, South Africa also contends with a widening skills gap. According to the report:
* “60% of businesses identifying skills gaps as a critical barrier to transformation by 2030.”
* “55% of South African companies plan to target individuals from disadvantaged religious, ethnic, and racial backgrounds to diversify their talent pool.”
* “34% of businesses plan to remove degree requirements to create more accessible pathways to emerging roles like AI and Machine Learning Specialists.”
As the job market continues to evolve at a rapid pace, this report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, employers, and job seekers to embrace lifelong learning, invest in digital literacy, and rethink traditional career pathways.
