A young woman in Kano, Nigeria logs onto her computer, her office is the open space in the balcony of her family home. She collaborates with a team in Berlin, designs for a client in New York, and attends a virtual conference in Tokyo—all within a single day. This is the vision of the future, where African youth weave their destinies across a global stage.
In a world where the clatter of keyboards is rapidly replacing the hum of morning traffic, the African youth stand poised on the brink of a digital revolution. Remote work, which once a concept of convenience, is now a compelling vision of the future—one that Africa’s dynamic young population is uniquely equipped to lead. This paradigm shift, accelerated by the global COVID-19 pandemic, is rooted in technological advancements that have made it possible for individuals to work effectively from anywhere in the world.
Africa is a continent often overlooked in discussions of global economic trends, however, it is positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of remote work. According to the International Labour Organization, Africa has the youngest population in the world, with over 60% under the age of 25. This demographic treasure trove is ripe for the burgeoning remote work sector. The African Development Bank reports that by 2025, there will be an estimated 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa requiring digital skills, underscoring the urgent need for a workforce that thrives in a virtual environment.
African youth possess a unique set of advantages that make them ideal candidates for remote work. They are digital natives, having grown up in a world where technology is ubiquitous. This familiarity with digital tools and platforms enables them to adapt quickly to new ways of working. The typical African youth often demonstrate a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to take risks. These qualities are essential for succeeding in the competitive world of remote work.
For African youth to participate in the future of remote work, here are four step by step guide to help them navigate through the journey.
Step 1: Skill Acquisition and Development
The first step is for youth to embrace continuous learning. Platforms like Coursera and Udemy have democratized education, offering courses that span from coding to digital marketing. A lot of training schools and innovation hubs are also providing a level playing ground and enabling access to learning, facilitating top notch mentoring and helping young people get a better hang of these skills. The World Bank highlights that online education platforms have seen a 200% increase in users in sub-Saharan Africa since 2020, this indicates a robust appetite for knowledge on the continent.
Step 2: Building a Digital Identity
A professional online presence is crucial for both positioning and personal branding. LinkedIn reports that 87% of recruiters use the platform to find talent. African youth should cultivate a digital footprint that resonates with their skills and aspirations by engaging in online communities and showcasing portfolios on platforms like GitHub and Behance. The more visible the better.
Step 3: Networking and Collaboration
Remote work thrives on connections. Joining communities, meetups and forums is essential. I should know, as a founder of a local tech community for budding enthusiasts. This is evident as the community continue to offer mentorship and resources, lighting the path for thousands of youth navigating the digital landscape. Several similar communities exist across the continent are open to everyone to join. The likes of Google Developer Groups and other large technology user groups are some of the best places to start from.
Step 4: Leveraging Technology
Mastering digital tools is non-negotiable. Familiarity with communication platforms like Slack and Zoom, and project management tools such as Trello and Asana, is imperative. According to a 2023 survey by AfriLabs, 75% of startups in Africa prioritize tech proficiency when hiring remotely. Almost every industry will be revolutionized by technology, its a smart investment to acquire tech skills and position oneself for the future of work.
Remote work dissolves borders, offering African youth unprecedented opportunities. It empowers them to transcend local economic limitations, contributing to a brain gain rather than a brain drain. I say this with utmost confidence and based on experience, at the forefront of this revolution is my organization, Enovate Lab an innovation and impact organisation that I founded in 2017. EnovateLab’s initiatives, from innovation hubs to capacity-building programs continue to equip young Africans with the tools necessary to thrive in a remote work environment.
The rise of remote work presents a significant opportunity for Africa to attract foreign investment, create jobs, and boost economic growth. By harnessing the potential of its young workforce, Africa can position itself as a global leader in the remote work industry. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 envisions a prosperous continent driven by innovation, and remote work is a cornerstone of this vision. By 2030, remote work could contribute an additional $180 billion to Africa’s GDP, according to a study by McKinsey & Company.
In conclusion, the future of remote work is not merely a trend—it’s a lifeline for the African youth. As the youngest continent, Africa stands on the cusp of a golden era where its youth can leverage remote work to redefine success and chart a new course for the continent’s future. This playbook is not just a guide; it’s a call to action for the young dreamers ready to seize the digital age.
Ahmed Idris is an entrepreneur and a product manager and can be reached via email at [email protected].
