Working from home in Africa

Working from home in Africa, a different kettle of fish!?

The complexities that come with the work-from-home  dynamic, brings challenges such as electricity  availability, internet connectivity, distractions due to space constraints at home with the average household having 6.9 persons, financial  limitations are the general “givens”.

The main crippling factors throughout the African continent are lack of jobs, infrastructure and technological systems that are now, only in the last 15 years, gaining traction. Africa is in a ‘ perfect storm’ made up of an exponential professional youth demographic,, COVID restrictions and aglobal technological revolution through the fourth industrial revolution.

For those working for large conglomerates, the work-from-home module with shared, open-plan workspaces or private member clubs work perfectly as they can afford such luxuries due to the consistent form of income that is not necessarily governed by the minimum wage or local running exchange rate. A remote office provider is just what a professional of any age, entrepreneur or first-time business owner needs. Not only does it provide a conducive work environment but opens up the global market for one to work across borders and internationally by meeting other individuals who may share common interests and or introduce possibilities and prospective partnershipUnfortunately, the above scenario only caters to a very small percentage of the African population. When it comes to discussing Africa’s growth and job pool it is imperative we ask ourselves two questions:

Who works and where do they work?The informal labour sector is accountable for 80.8% of jobs throughout the continent of Africa. In most cases, this entails a daily contract that can often be a precarious one at that, due to minimal regulations when it comes to health and safety, wage exploitation and victimisation. Projections by the United Nations show that the world population is due to hit 10 billion people by 2055 and of that 10 billion, Africa will account for 1.4 billion of them. Almost 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25, making Africa the world’s youngest continent. This exponential growth within Africa is a bitter-sweet reality as on one hand, it will provide the opportunity for the youth to play an integral role in the continents economic transformation but also highlights the sever lack of infrastructure and systems throughout the continent.

This however, for the more economically developed countries, has been a polar opposite experience. The unnecessary expense and stress of the daily commute, the hours one is away from home, their children and the self-care and awareness of one’s mental and physical health are all reasons why employees say they are not willing to return to the office full-time. Even whispers of returning have been enough to send some professionals searching for an exit or an alternative arrangement. This of course is referring to those who live in countries that have the infrastructure and economy to support the work-from-home module.

For some, however, working from home has been a nightmare not only to their health and wellbeing but to their work. Distractions, loud housemates, family, isolation and lack of self-discipline have all been the ideal breeding ground for an increase in depression and compromised mental and physical health. The work-from-home model is now one we have been forced to acclimatise to.

 Now that several countries are vaccinating rapidly, employees are gradually returning to what we once knew as the “norm”. Those who aren’t required to go back to the office quite yet, are finding shared, open-plan workspaces and/or private member clubs – a great alternative! These often more affordable alternatives not only provide a professional setting to work, but also come with multiple perks. From food and beverage outlets, concierge services, regular member’s events, boardrooms and meeting rooms; all catering to those in need of an office environment. The added advantage of collaboration and networking opportunities created by such spaces further adds to their increased appeal. These establishments are great for those who require that ‘office’ environment at their own disposal.

For a continent like Africa, which is yet to have such infrastructure, corporate subsidisation for the basic ‘at home’ work utilities and technological support is still far off for many!!. Prior to the pandemic, the world was gradually progressing to a more technologically heavy workspace thus pushing an already tech starved Africa to play catch-up. Now that Covid-19 has expedited this change globally, Africa is and risks being being left behind further. The pandemic has been a harsh reminder to us about the great divide and inequalities in the informal and formal sector. Those who have a profound CAPEX for the year ahead and those who make their living on a day to day basis. Those who have managed to hold onto their jobs and have the luxury of working from home to those who have almost lost their livelihoods by just trying to stay afloat. Two ends of the spectrum!

The legitimisation of the casual labour market goes hand in hand with the growth of industries such as E-commerce, Fintech and Telecommunications. With growth comes demand for labour and with demand, comes jobs. Google, Facebook and other large tech giants are now tapping into the underutilized population as there is considerable talent to be found.

Over the last few years, Fintech, clean energy and E-commerce have received the most funding. Last year, investors poured $1.3 billion of venture capital into African companies. Of that, 31% went to Fintech. African Tech companies like Jumia, Interswitch and Flutterwave are just a few examples of the talent and success that are due for Africa’s Tech future. We are still years away from having that “work-from-home” luxury but with E-commerce still in its embryonic and fintech space just getting warmed up, I believe Africa is at the point of technological opportunity, and what we should focus on is how to take advantage of it.

If we don’t, Africa will simply be left behind.

Africa is a ripe and often intimidating frontier territory to any newcomer or prospective investor but once one gets to know her, she is warm, fruitful with endless resources. Both terraneous and through its people.