Exploring the rise of African freelancers

The African labour market in recent times has experienced a significant rise in the freelance economy; from Kenya to Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Africa, and everywhere in between, freelancers are making their mark in the continent’s job market.

It also seems that this rise is here to stay. According to a review by Finance Online, as much as 10.1 percent of the world’s freelancers are in Africa, where many professionals are also available to work remotely. This is only going to increase, as McKinsey predicts that by 2025, online talent platforms could increase employment by 72 million full-time equivalent positions.

Many talents and professionals opt for more flexible work arrangements in industries that can accommodate such flexibility. This trend of freelancing is reshaping Africa’s workforce and offering remarkable opportunities for economic empowerment and global participation.

We will explore factors driving the rise of African freelancers, challenges faced by African freelancers, and the transformative impact African freelancers are making in local and global economies.

Factors Driving the Rise of African Freelancers.

Many professionals and talents in Africa are beginning to opt for freelancing over traditional work, and there are factors within the African and global economies that can facilitate this. Let's talk about a few of them.

Freelancing as a Response to Limited Job Opportunities

There are many cases in the African labour market where there is a high rate of unemployment and underemployment. There are hardly enough jobs for the population, and even when there are jobs, there is underemployment. Freelancing offers access to the global job market and employment from different countries and economies.

The Impact of Technology on Freelancing

With increasing access to the internet across Africa and the popularity of technological gadgets for communication like computers, smartphones, etc., and even internet access, many Africans find it easy to do their jobs even without the traditional work arrangements.

The Influence of Globalization on Freelancing in Africa

As many would say, the world is becoming a global village; globalization has strongly influenced freelancing. People no longer need to be within the same country to work together, share ideas, and trade.

Availability of Freelance Platform and Networks

There’s an increase in the number of freelance platforms and networks to choose from, the prospective freelance professional can get registered on a few to scout the numerous opportunities available on the various platforms, like Tammwe.

Flexible Work Arrangements

With freelancing, the professional can decide on his work hours if he meets deadlines and gives quality services. Many professionals prefer the freelance options, because of their flexibility in work hours, and opportunities to earn higher, by putting in more hours. Some freelancers can take on multiple projects, which would help them earn more.

Low Cost of entry and Start-up capital

Getting into freelancing would not cost much for the freelancer, as owning a smartphone, internet access and of course, the required skill is in many cases enough for a freelancer to begin his career.

Challenges faced by African freelancers.

African freelancers have peculiar challenges that might frustrate their efforts in pursuing a career in freelancing, some include the lack of reliable payment systems, unequal opportunities, and the lack of legal protection for freelancers.

Lack of reliable payment systems:

One of the challenges faced by freelancers in Africa is difficulty in getting payments across, sometimes the freelancer does not have access to financial services to enable international payments.

Unequal opportunities and Gender bias:

Another challenge faced by African freelancers is the unequal opportunities to global opportunities compared to freelancers from other continents. Also, gender bias against women may exist.

Lack of legal protection for freelancers:

Within the freelance economy in Africa, another challenge is the lack of access many freelancers have to legal representation and protection. Sometimes, there is no protection for the rights of the freelancers.

The transformational impact of African freelancers on the African economy and globally.

Since the introduction of freelancing into the African workforce, there has been a transformation not just in the continent’s economy, but it’s workforce and work culture. Apart from these, the output of freelance workers in terms of style and competencies has drastically changed. The impacts are further discussed below.

Tech-fueled globalization:

When African freelancers collaborate with foreign clients from different countries, it brings about economic growth for the African countries and the partner foreign companies.

Job Opportunities and market penetration:

Freelancing has transformed Africa’s workforce. Digital and virtual workspaces have been created and become a significant source of job opportunities. This transformation means there is more access to job opportunities.

Specialised skills and competencies:

Freelancing raises the need for more specialized skills and competencies, hence, freelancers tend to increase their competencies and get better at specializing in different areas. In fact, with freelancing, a talent or a professional can get more than one core specialized skill and function in different capacities.

Increased earning opportunities for African talent and professionals:

Freelancing has made it possible for African talent and professionals to earn in different currencies, since they are not hindered by the traditional work hours, commuting to work, and work culture, they can be flexible with their work hours, negotiate higher fees, and this a flex.

Opportunities to showcase their abilities, talents, and expertise:

Freelancers can showcase their talents and expertise to a wider audience, this broadens their reach and gets them celebrated like the stars that they already are. Within the traditional work arrangement, this can be limited.

Conclusion:

As the continent embraces the freelance economy, stakeholders must work together to address the challenges and harness the full potential of this transformative trend. By empowering freelancers and creating an enabling ecosystem, Africa can position itself as a key player in the global gig economy while unlocking new opportunities for inclusive growth and prosperity.

Get onboard as an African freelancer, on a platform where you are rightly positioned to harness the full potential of freelancing and enjoy access to a global economy with Tammwe.

Sign up at www.tammwe.com to get started!