- Dukes believes that the increase in population will eventually increase the competition for scarce resources and opportunities available hence the need for reshaping the digital economy.
- The gig economy is also being embraced by South Africa and Nigeria, where it is promoting economic inclusiveness and the development of jobs.
Image: The Star
Africa has millions of young people who need jobs, and if something is not done, the problem will only get worse as the continent's population continues to increase.
This is according to Marcus Dukes, the founder of Humanity Protocol.
Dukes believes that the increase in population will eventually increase the competition for scarce resources and opportunities available hence the need for reshaping the digital economy to provide more opportunities.
He says that there are already new digital initiatives that seek to empower people at the grassroots level, which are causing a shift in Africa's digital landscape.
The founder emphasizes how the concept of community staking, now engrained within the Humanity Protocol ecosystem, is reshaping the landscape of support and benefits for individuals within Africa's expanding gig economy.
"Staking transforms into a direct investment in each gig worker's potential and success, indicating a significant change in the way we see and encourage economic empowerment,"Dukes said.
He claimed that the basic concept behind Humanity Protocol's community staking is a unique one: stakers bet on people operating in Africa's gig economy.
“This personalized approach transforms staking into a direct investment in the economic success of gig workers,” he affirmed.
“With over 40,000 users across 94 countries, including a significant African footprint, the protocol demonstrates a sustainable model where community stakers support each participant. This support is not just financial; it's a vote of confidence in individuals' ability to thrive in the digital economy," Dukes explained.
A large fraction of Africa's labor force works on a gig basis, and millions of people can make money through internet platforms.
According to him, Kenya, for instance, "showcases how digital platforms can bridge the gap between informal and formal employment," with an estimated 109 million dollars in the online gig economy.
He went on to say that this model not only offers financial support but also creates a network of mutual aid and support, opening the door for Africa to have a thriving and sustainable digital economy.
The gig economy is also being embraced by South Africa and Nigeria, where it is promoting economic inclusiveness and the development of jobs.
The expansion of the gig economy in Africa is mostly driven by internet availability and mobile technologies.
According to Dukes, nations like Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Kenya are expected to have a digital boom that might further stimulate gig labor, with an estimated 167 million additional mobile subscribers by 2025.