The Future of Africa: Fintech and The Gig Economy

Fintech and the Gig Economy have emerged as two buzzwords that have been trendy in recent years, and the most disruptive trends in the global economy. In Africa, the combination of these two concepts has the potential to revolutionize the economy.

Africa's economic development has been hindered by various challenges, including a lack of access to financial services and limited job opportunities. However, the rise of Fintech and the Gig Economy presents an opportunity for Africa to address these challenges and boost economic development.

Both of these trends have the potential to drive economic growth in Africa, a continent that has long been plagued by poverty and underdevelopment.

In this article, we will explore the potential of Fintech and the Gig Economy to create a perfect recipe for economic growth in Africa. We will examine how these trends can provide access to financial services and create job opportunities, as well as the challenges that need to be addressed to fully realize their potential. Finally, we will look at the future of Fintech and the Gig Economy in Africa, and the role that stakeholders such as governments, regulators, and businesses can play in driving their growth.

The Fintech Industry in Africa

The fintech industry in Africa has grown significantly over the past decade. According to a report by McKinsey, the fintech industry in Africa has made significant headway with revenue of approximately $4 billion in 2020. This growth can be attributed to the increasing use of mobile technology, which has made it easier for people to access financial services. Some of the fintech solutions that have gained traction in Africa include mobile money, digital banking, remittance services, and insurance technology.

Mobile money has distinctively been a game-changer in Africa, with companies such as M-PESA leading the way.

Mobile money allows users to send and receive money through their mobile phones, which has dramatically increased financial inclusion in Africa. Digital banking has also gained popularity, with companies such as Kuda Bank and Paga providing digital banking services to their customers. Remittance services such as WorldRemit, Flutterwave, and Wise have gained popularity and have made it easier for Africans in the diaspora to send money back home. Insurance technology has also been on the rise, with companies such as Kyshi providing affordable insurance products to Africans and gig workers, and Axalio democratizing financial inclusion & wealth creation

The Gig Economy in Africa

The gig economy in Africa has also been growing, with more and more people taking up freelance work. As a segment of activities, the gig economy in Africa is growing at an average rate of 20% per year (according to Mastercard Foundation). Mastercard expects Africa to have 80 million gig workers online by 2030. The gig economy in Africa can be divided into four sectors: e-commerce, ride-hailing, freelancing, and delivery services.

E-commerce has been on the rise in Africa, with companies such as Jumia and Konga leading the way. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt have also been gaining popularity in Africa, providing a cheaper and more efficient alternative to traditional taxi services, and freelancing has also been on the rise n the African continent, with platforms such as Upwork and Freelancer providing opportunities for Africans to offer their skills to clients from all over the world. Also, delivery services such as Jumia Food, Mr.D, and Glovo have also been on the rise, providing a convenient way for people to get their goods delivered. With a number of supermarkets following suit with the launch of services such as Checkers Sixty60, Pick N Pay, & Woolworths in South Africa tapping into it.

Fintech and Gig Economy Synergies in Africa

There are many opportunities for synergies between fintech and the gig economy in Africa. For example, payment integration in ride-hailing apps can make it easier for riders to pay for their trips using their digital wallets, while digital banking for gig workers can provide them with easy access to financial services, as they often find themselves not being catered for by traditional banking offers. As a digital business owner, I am privy to the frustration of trying to fit into the box of traditional banking and insurance offers that don’t necessarily take into account the nitty-gritty of my life. Not fitting the traditional corporate route, and neither completely adhering to the rules of traditional SMMEs, this budding sector is often cash-rich because of the low overheads that come with having a digital-first operation, which continues to remain unserved.

Mobile money can also be used to facilitate e-commerce transactions, making it easier for customers to pay for their goods and services. For instance, ride-hailing company Uber has integrated mobile money into its platform in Kenya, making it easier for riders to pay for their trips. Fintech platforms such as Kuda, Paystack,& Flutterwave, and ALAT have also been making significant efforts to provide services to gig workers. Flutterwave recent integration with Systeme.io, makes it now easier for African online entrepreneurs who wish to not use PayPal because of the constant hassle of having their money blocked for no reason.

Fintechs can further also help Gig Economy workers and freelancers manage their finances more effectively. Many Gig Economy workers struggle with managing their income and expenses, which can make it difficult to save for the future or invest in their businesses. Fintechs can provide tools and services that make it easier for Gig Economy workers to track their income and expenses, set financial goals, and save for the future.

In addition, Fintechs can provide investment opportunities for Gig Economy workers, which can help them grow their wealth and improve their financial stability. Many traditional investment opportunities are not accessible to Gig Economy workers, but Fintechs can provide innovative investment solutions that are tailored to their needs.

That is not all. Fintechs can also help Gig Economy workers navigate the complex world of taxes. Many Gig Economy workers are classified as independent contractors, which means they are responsible for paying their own taxes. Fintechs can provide tools and resources that help Gig Economy workers understand their tax obligations and file their taxes accurately and on time.

Finally, Fintechs can help provide structure for Gig Economy workers who may not have access to traditional employment benefits like retirement savings plans or health insurance. Fintechs can provide access to these benefits through innovative solutions like micro-insurance and micro-pensions, which can help Gig Economy workers protect themselves and their families from financial risks.

These are some of the opportunities that we have identified as synergies between these two economic sectors.

Related Article: Unleashing African Creativity: The Rise of the Creator Economy in Africa

Impact of Fintech and Gig Economy on Africa's Economy

The impact of fintech and the gig economy on Africa's economy has been largely positive. Fintech has greatly increased financial inclusion in Africa, making it easier for people to access financial services. The gig economy has also created jobs and provided opportunities for people to earn a living.

However, there are also challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is regulation and policy. Many African countries lack clear regulations and policies for fintech and the gig economy, which can hinder their growth. The digital divide is also a challenge, as not everyone in Africa has access to mobile technology. Finally, financial literacy is an issue, as many people in Africa may not understand how to use financial products and services.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fintech and the gig economy have the potential to transform Africa's economy. Fintech solutions such as mobile money and digital banking have increased financial inclusion, while the gig economy has created jobs and provided opportunities for people to earn a living. Synergies between fintech and the gig economy can further enhance their impact on Africa's economy. However, there are also challenges that need to be addressed, such as regulation and policy, the digital divide, and financial literacy. With the right policies and regulations in place, fintech and the gig economy can continue to drive economic growth and create opportunities for Africans.

To overcome these challenges and maximize the potential of fintech and the gig economy, African governments need to take proactive steps. This includes creating clear and supportive regulatory frameworks that foster innovation while protecting consumers. Governments should also invest in digital infrastructure and promote digital literacy to ensure that everyone has access to the benefits of fintech and the gig economy.

In addition, collaboration between the private and public sectors is crucial. Governments can work with fintech companies and gig economy platforms to develop solutions that meet the needs of their citizens. Fintech and gig economy companies can also partner with traditional financial institutions to create new products and services that bridge the gap between the formal and informal economies.

Overall, the future looks bright for fintech and the gig economy in Africa. With the right policies and partnerships in place, these sectors have the potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve the lives of millions of Africans.

About The Contributor

Tanya Kabuya is the founder of Wizz Digital, a South Africa & Nigeria-based marketing strategy consultancy that assists Tech Startups & consulting businesses to grow their audiences, attract clients, and cultivate brand recognition through social media by deploying the Content Marketing Ecosystem Playbook, our proprietary Framework. Find out more

You might also enjoy...