Careers and gig work in Sub-Saharan Africa

In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), such work is largely found in the informal economy that escapes formal employment arrangements and regulations. As such, gig work is not regarded as a threat to formal employment conditions and to legal labour standards.

In the context of the predominant informal economy, a career takes on a different conceptualisation from that found in advanced economies. Instead of a linear development process through an occupation or an organisation with protections and standards, a career is defined by informality, insecurity, and holding multiple jobs. The emerging gig economy has the potential to increase employment opportunities but should also address a need for formal procedures and standards in these insecure jobs, and to support career development in SSA.<p></p>