On a hot Wednesday afternoon in Nairobi, Peter Otieno wipes the sweat off his forehead as he manoeuvres his motorbike through traffic. His Bolt delivery app is pinging. A customer wants lunch delivered across town — and fast.
Peter is one of hundreds of thousands of gig workers across Africa, fueling a growing digital economy. With just a smartphone and a motorbike, he’s part of a silent revolution changing how people live, work, and earn.
The Rise of the Gig Economy
Across cities in Africa — from Lagos to Cape Town, Accra to Kigali — the gig economy is booming. Platforms like Bolt, Uber, Glovo, and Jumia Food have become household names. They offer flexible work for young people facing high unemployment and limited job opportunities.
“I used to sit at home with no job,” Peter says. “Now I earn every day. It’s not easy, but it’s better than waiting for something that may never come.”
Gig work, often based on mobile apps, includes ride-hailing, food delivery, errands, and even digital freelancing. For many, it’s become a lifeline.
Fueled by Youth and Smartphones
Africa is the youngest continent in the world. Over 60% of the population is under 25, and most own or have access to a smartphone. Combine that with growing internet access and rising urban demand, and the stage is set for digital jobs.
“These platforms match people who need a service with those who can provide it,” says Sarah Mensah, a digital economy researcher in Ghana. “It’s informal, yes, but it’s dynamic and scalable.”
Delivery riders dart through cities with backpacks full of groceries, meals, and parcels. Bolt drivers navigate bumpy roads to pick up and drop off riders. It’s fast-paced and competitive — and often risky.
Behind the Wheel: The Challenges
While gig platforms offer income, the work is tough. Riders and drivers face long hours, high fuel costs, road accidents, and limited legal protection.
“I work from 7am to 9pm,” says Linda, a Bolt driver in Johannesburg. “Some days are good. Some days, not so much. But I have to keep going — my family depends on me.”
There are also concerns about exploitation. Many workers say their earnings fluctuate, and they have no health benefits or insurance. If their vehicle breaks down, they lose income.
“We are not lazy,” says Musa, a delivery rider in Lagos. “We just want fair pay and respect. Without us, the system doesn’t work.”
A New Kind of Workforce
Despite the challenges, Africa’s gig workers are building something new — a flexible, on-demand economy that meets the fast-changing needs of urban life. They are entrepreneurs, risk-takers, and everyday problem-solvers.
Some governments are beginning to pay attention. In Kenya and South Africa, conversations are starting around gig workers’ rights, social security, and digital inclusion.
“The gig economy is here to stay,” says Dr. Lindiwe Zulu, a labour expert. “We must build systems that protect workers while supporting innovation.”
The Road Ahead
Back in Nairobi, Peter finishes another delivery. He smiles as he checks his app — another request is waiting. He revs up his bike and speeds off, part of a generation writing its own economic story, one ride at a time.
Africa’s gig workers aren’t just surviving. They are shaping the future — one delivery, one ride, one hustle at a time.
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