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8 Of The Best Emerging Career Opportunities in Africa

8 Of The Best Emerging Career Opportunities in Africa

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The 21st century is the African century. This is because Africa has the fastest growing population of youth, which makes it the youngest continent in the world. By 2050, over one-third of the global working-age population will be residing in Africa. That’s why many people view Africa as a potential gold mine for job opportunities. 

But how can you take advantage of this trend? What are some of the best emerging career opportunities in Africa? Let’s find out!

Data Analysis and Data Science

There’s been a surge of interest in data science among African companies. Many African businesses are seeking to leverage data to improve performance. There are a few reasons why data science is crucial in Africa. 

First, many African countries rely heavily on agriculture. With the increased adoption of technology in agriculture, farmers will need data scientists to help them integrate sensors and other technology into their operations. Data science is also important in African cities, which are rapidly growing. As urban areas expand, there’s a growing need for data scientists who can help city planners make smarter decisions.

3D Printing and Manufacturing

As Africa develops, new manufacturing industries will emerge. 3D printing is one technology that’s likely to grow in popularity. Many African entrepreneurs are using 3D printing to manufacture goods that they sell online and locally. Some of the goods being produced by African manufacturers include toys, fashion accessories, medical devices, and even houses. 

As online shopping increases across Africa, industries like 3D printing will likely see an uptick in demand. If you’re looking for a career in manufacturing, it’s a good idea to get a handle on 3D printing technology.

Digital Marketing and e-Commerce

In the next decade, more Africans will access the internet on a regular basis than any other continent in the world. The number of internet users in Africa is expected to increase from 472 million in 2019 to over 1 billion by 2025. That’s why it’s a good idea to explore career options related to digital marketing and e-commerce. 

These industries will likely experience significant growth in the coming years. If you’re interested in these types of careers, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the latest trends in digital marketing and e-commerce. You can find free online courses to help you learn more about these skills, or approach a marketing agency to learn and gain practical experience.

Development of Smart Cities

As Africa’s urban population increases, so will the demand for smart cities. A smart city uses a combination of sensors, data analytics, and technology to improve the efficiency and quality of life for residents. 

Many African nations are beginning to implement smart city initiatives. If you’re interested in working in the urban planning and design industry, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with smart city initiatives in Africa. This will help you stay informed about the latest developments in the industry.

Robotics and Automation

Robotics and automation are expanding in Africa. As the economy grows, African businesses are increasingly investing in automation. This is because automation is a cost-effective and efficient way to improve business performance. 

If you’re interested in a career related to robotics and automation, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the latest developments in this industry. You can do this by visiting robotics conferences and exhibitions.

Sustainable Mobility

As African cities develop and become more densely populated, they’ll need more sustainable transportation options. In many African cities, public transportation is not as effective as it could be, which is why many people rely on personal vehicles. 

As cities become more crowded and traffic congestion becomes a growing problem, sustainable public transportation will become increasingly important. If you want to leverage career opportunities in sustainable mobility, you might consider working with the public transportation department in an African city.

Environment and Climate Change

Africa is experiencing serious environmental challenges, especially related to climate change. Many African countries experience significant droughts and flooding due to climate change. If you’re interested in a career related to the environment and climate change, you can find work in Africa. To learn more about how you can get involved in this type of work, visit websites like the United Nations Environment Programme or the African Union Environment.

Agritech and Food Supply Chain

As the population of Africa continues to grow, so will the demand for food. In many African countries, the food supply chain is not ideal. To meet the needs of a growing population, African businesses are investing in agritech and food supply chain solutions. If you’re interested in a career in agritech, you can find work in Africa. To learn more about how you can get involved in this type of work, visit websites like the Alliance for Food Security in Africa.

Conclusion

In the next decade, more Africans will have access to the internet than any other continent in the world. As the population of Africa grows, there will be an increased demand for new technologies and career opportunities. 

It is a smart idea to pick a few skills among the merging ones so you can compete int the job market. Thank you for reading. Share this article a young African career aspirant.

African Freelancers in the Global Gig Economy: Is There Hope?

African Freelancers in the Global Gig Economy: Is There Hope?

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Africa is home to a growing number of freelancers who provide services online. These digital workers enable Africans to participate in the global gig economy, which is expected to grow in the coming years. As the gig economy grows, concerns remain about how it will impact African freelancers and their ability to compete with non- Africans.

These digital platforms have enabled more people globally to become freelancers and offer services online at a lower cost than traditional businesses. The number of African freelancers has grown as a result of these developments, especially among millennials in several countries.

However, there are many barriers that continue to limit opportunities for African freelancers. Let’s take a closer look at these issues and what can be done about them.

What is the gig economy?

A gig economy refers to the practice of individuals finding work through online platforms, with little or no commitment from the employer. The term “gig” refers to the short-term nature of many of these tasks, which can include anything from freelance writing to online coding.

According to a McKinsey Global Institute report, gig work is expected to grow globally as a result of several factors. These include an aging population, which will reduce the number of people working in the formal sector, as well as an increase in the number of women working.

Additionally, advancements in technology have made it easier for people to work remotely — including freelancers — and enabled them to earn more by serving a broader client base.

African freelancer demographics

Freelancers in Africa are a relatively young group, with 46% of them under 35 years old. Millennials represent a larger portion of the African freelancer demographic than any other generation. This is partly due to the fact that millennials are more likely to work in the digital economy and are comfortable with technology as well as with freelance work.

Freelancers in Africa earn an average of $8 an hour, with Liberians earning the highest average rate of $14 an hour and Nigerians earning the lowest average of $4 an hour. Freelancers in Africa hail from a wide range of occupation groups, including health and education professionals, professional and technical workers, and business and finance workers.

The majority of African freelancers work in the business and financial services industry, with a smaller number of freelancers working in the health and education industry.

Rising demand for digital services

The growing demand for digital services has made online freelancing platforms, such as UpWork and Freelancer.com, more attractive to Africans. In fact, Africans have been some of the most active users of these platforms.

As more Africans participate in these online platforms, they provide an opportunity for Africans to earn more and gain a foothold in an industry that has been historically off limits to them.

However, digital services face several challenges. Africans are not the only ones who want to participate in the digital economy. The gig economy has become a global phenomenon, with people from other regions migrating to Africa and competing with local digital services.

Concerns for African freelancers in the gig economy

The digital economy has created new challenges for freelancers in Africa as it has elsewhere. Many Africans have complained that they have to wait longer than non-African freelancers to secure a job on online platforms.

We have also heard from African freelancers that they feel they are asked to work for less than non-African freelancers. The growing presence of non-African freelancers on digital platforms has raised the question of whether Africans will be able to compete against them.

Freelancers in Africa tend to be younger and earn less than non-African freelancers, who may have more experience and a larger client base.

Conclusion

The gig economy has created opportunities for Africans to earn money and participate in the global marketplace. However, the growth of this industry has also raised concerns over how African freelancers will be able to compete with non-African freelancers.

In order to tackle these issues, African freelancers need to build networks, collaborate, and continue to innovate. They also need to be patient, as it may take some time before they are able to earn as much as they would like.