- According to a report by the Digital Economy Task Force, the gig economy in Kenya will grow by 33 per cent over the next five years.
- According to a GSMA mobile economy report, by 2025, sub-Saharan Africa is expected to welcome 167 million new mobile subscribers.
- The Humanity NFT program emerges as a critical player, offering a secure and non-intrusive way for individuals to participate in the Web3 space.
Africa’s gig economy, driven by the digital revolution, is reshaping the labour market, offering new avenues for employment and economic growth.
The World Bank highlights that more than 80 per cent of workers in sub-Saharbrock purdy jersey smith and soul black friday wig sale nike air max 90 futura dallas cowboys slippers mens oregon football jerseys sac à dos eastpak air jordan 1 low flyease adidas yeezy boost 350 turtle dove inflatable kayak uberlube luxury lubricant custom youth nfl jersey asu football jersey alpinestars caschi yeezy shoes under 1000 an Africa are employed in the informal sector, with a significant portion now transitioning to gig work facilitated by digital platforms.
Most recently, across Africa, a groundbreaking initiative is gaining attention for its innovative approach to digital identity and economic empowerment.
The Humanity NFT program, distinct from controversial projects like World Coin, which raised privacy concerns for its retina-scanning method, offers a blockchain-based solution that respects individual privacy while unlocking many job opportunities for Kenyans and Africans via digital gig work.
Kenya: A Pioneer in Digital Gig Work
Kenya’s gig economy has shown remarkable growth, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. The country stands out as a leader in the digital gig economy within East Africa, boasting a vibrant ecosystem of online platforms.
According to a report by the Digital Economy Task Force, the gig economy in Kenya will grow by 33 per cent over the next five years, highlighting the critical role of digital platforms in generating employment and supporting livelihoods.
Kenya currently has a 26.4 per cent unemployment rate. The alternative employment alternatives the gig economy provides can contribute to a decrease in this.
The Kenyan online gig economy, valued at $109 million, supports over 36,000 gig workers, demonstrating the country’s dynamic approach to digital employment. It will expand by around 32 per cent in the next five years, reaching $345 million and employing 93,875 people.
With 82 per cent of its working population engaged in the informal sector, digital platforms provide a critical bridge to formal employment.
The gig economy is helping young Kenyans transition into more accessible, competitive, and stable jobs by providing them with new sources of income, more stability, and more formalized working conditions.
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Amidst this digital revolution, the Humanity NFT program emerges as a critical player, offering a secure and non-intrusive way for individuals to participate in the Web3 space. Unlike World Coin’s retina scanning, which has sparked a global debate on privacy and data security, the Humanity NFT program utilizes blockchain-based technology to create digital identities.
These identities enable individuals to use their Personal Natural Resources (PNR) to access, perform, and receive compensation for gig work without invasive biometric data collection. This approach not only safeguards personal privacy but also fosters a sense of trust and security among participants.
The program’s unique model caters to the diverse needs of Kenya’s workforce. With unemployment rates among the youth at an alarming high, the Humanity NFT program provides an accessible entry point into the gig economy.
By leveraging NFTs as digital resumes, individuals can showcase their skills and achievements in a verifiable manner, opening up opportunities for both local and global gigs.
Community Staking: A Sustainable Support System
One of the most innovative aspects of the Humanity NFT program is its community staking feature. This allows participants not only to earn through their direct contributions but also to benefit from the success of their peers. Such a model encourages community investment and support, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem where success breeds success.
This aspect is particularly appealing in Kenya, where communal ties and collective upliftment are deeply ingrained in the culture. It follows a similar structure to that of the Chamas and or SACCOs nationwide.
The Future of Work in Africa
As Kenya continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital economy, initiatives like the Humanity NFT program play a crucial role in shaping the future of work. By offering a non-intrusive, privacy-respecting platform, the program stands out as an innovative option in a sea of digital opportunities.
“It’s not just about creating jobs; it’s about redefining how one finds work, performed, and rewarded in the digital age,” said Marcus Dukes, the Founder of the Humanity NFT program.
According to Mr Dukes, nearly 40,000 African users have joined the “Activate Humanity” or “#activateHumanity” campaign.
Expanding the Digital Frontier across Africa’s gig economy
Africa’s gig economy, particularly in Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria, represents a significant shift towards digital employment, offering hope for economic empowerment and resilience.
As digital platforms continue to increase, they promise to redefine the future of work across the continent, making the digital gig economy an essential component of Africa’s economic landscape.
Despite the promising growth, the gig economy in Africa faces challenges, including the need for improved infrastructure and digital literacy. However, the increasing integration of mobile money and the development of local digital platforms offer a solid foundation for overcoming these obstacles.
According to a GSMA mobile economy report, by 2025, sub-Saharan Africa is expected to welcome 167 million new mobile subscribers, with significant contributions from Nigeria, Ethiopia, DRC, Tanzania, and Kenya. The overall number will top 634 million unique mobile subscribers by 2025 across Sub-Saharan Africa.
This surge in mobile connectivity is laying the groundwork for expanding digital platforms across the continent. As the gig economy’s growth in Africa is partly attributed to the widespread adoption of mobile technology and internet access, it’s only plausible that Africa’s gig economy will grow as more people, especially youth, partake in the mobile-telephony boom. (https://nwgapublichealth.org/)
The numbers will surely grow with the Humanity NFT program exemplifying how technology harnesses inclusive economic opportunities while respecting individual privacy. As the gig economy in Kenya and across Africa continues to expand, initiatives like this offer a glimpse into a future where digital work is accessible, secure, and empowering for all.
