Earlier this week, on Wednesday the 22nd of January 2025, I had the privilege of being interviewed remotely by Tabitha Muthoni on CNBC Africa’s Power Lunch East Africa Show. During this brief and engaging discussion, we delved into Kenya’s and Africa’s rapidly evolving labour market, focussing on the gig economy, fintech, and e-commerce sectors. These topics are particularly critical as digital transformation continues to shape how we work and live across Kenya, East Africa, and the broader African continent.
The Role of E-Commerce and Fintech in Job Creation
Kenya’s and Africa’s digital transformation has unlocked numerous opportunities for job creation, especially in e-commerce and fintech. Platforms like Jumia have revolutionized digital retail, creating thousands of jobs in logistics, digital marketing, customer service, and platform management. Meanwhile, fintech solutions such as Safaricom’s M-Pesa have transformed financial inclusion, enabling unbanked populations to access critical services and driving growth in areas like mobile banking, agency networks, cybersecurity, and software development.
As we discussed, collaboration between African Governments and the private sector is essential to scale these opportunities. Investments in infrastructure, training programs, and partnerships can further enhance the reach and impact of e-commerce and fintech, fostering sustainable job creation for the youth.
Bridging the Digital Skills Gap
A recurring challenge in Kenya and Africa is the mismatch between educational outcomes and the skills demanded by the digital economy. To bridge this gap, it’s crucial to reform school curriculums to include coding, AI, and data analytics from an early age. Partnerships between global technology leaders like Microsoft and Google with Governments in Africa and educational institutions are already happening in this space. Upskilling and reskilling programs, such as technology bootcamps, are also enabling students and workers to adapt to the demands of the digital future of work as we know it.
Opportunities in the Gig Economy
One of the most exciting trends we explored was the rise of the gig economy, which offers flexible opportunities for young Kenyans and Africans to monetize their skills. Platforms like Uber and Bolt for ride-hailing, and Upwork and Fiverr for freelancing, have empowered individuals to earn an income outside of traditional employment structures. However, for the gig economy to truly thrive, it’s essential to establish social protections, including access to healthcare, pensions, and fair wages.
Policies for Inclusive Growth
Lastly, the role of Governments and the private sector in creating an enabling environment for innovation cannot be overstated. Policies that encourage parity between local businesses and global players are vital. At the same time, investments in infrastructure and AI skills training can position Kenya’s and Africa’s workforce to compete globally in the future of work.
Conclusion
My interview with Tabitha highlighted that Kenya’s and Africa’s labour market is at a transformative moment. By embracing digital transformation and prioritizing inclusive growth, the African continent can unlock vast opportunities for its youth while creating sustainable solutions to unemployment. As we navigate this exciting future, collaboration between Governments, businesses, and educational institutions will be key.
