NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 23 – Kenya’s gig economy is expected to grow by 33 percent in the next five years, highlighting the critical role of digital platforms in generating employment and supporting livelihoods.
According to a report by the Digital Economy Task Force, the country’s gig economy stands out as a leader in the digital economy in East Africa, currently valued at $109 million and supporting over 36,000 workers.
The founder of the Humanity NFT program, Marcus Dukes, said that digital platforms are providing a critical bridge to formal employment, with approximately 82 percent of its working population engaged in the formal sector.
“As a whole the gig economy is helping young Kenyans transition into more accessible, competitive, and stable jobs by providing them with new sources of income,” Dukes said.
The Humanity NFT program emerges as a big player in the Web3 space, offering a secure and non-intrusive platform for individuals to participate.
It utilizes blockchain technology to create digital identities, allowing users to leverage their personal natural resources (PNR) for gig work while safeguarding privacy and fostering trust.
In Kenya, amidst the digital economy’s challenges and opportunities, initiatives like Humanity NFT are pivotal in shaping the future of work.
With nearly 40,000 users already onboarded across Africa, the program, known as “Activate Humanity,” is gaining momentum.
“It’s not just about creating jobs; it’s about redefining how work is found, performed, and rewarded in the digital age,” added Dukes.
Despite facing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and digital literacy, the gig economy in Africa shows promising growth prospects.
The integration of mobile money and the rise of local digital platforms provide a strong foundation for overcoming these hurdles.
According to a GSMA report, Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to gain 167 million new mobile subscribers by 2025, fostering the expansion of digital platforms across the continent.
This surge in mobile connectivity contributes to the growth of the gig economy, particularly among youth, who increasingly participate in the mobile-telephony boom.
Initiatives like the Humanity NFT program demonstrate how technology can create inclusive economic opportunities while safeguarding privacy, indicating further growth in the gig economy.
As the gig economy expands in Kenya and across Africa, these initiatives point towards a future where digital work is accessible, secure, and empowering for everyone.
