Freelancer is a term commonly used for a person who is self-employed and not necessarily committed to a particular employer long-term. Freelance workers can be represented by a company or a temporary agency that resells freelance labour to clients, but they also can work independently or use professional associations or websites to get work.

Freelancing is a global phenomenon, which is of particular interest as it is growing rapidly and brings greater flexibility and a better work-life balance.

McKinsey predicts that by 2025, online talent platforms could  increase employment by 72 million full-time equivalent positions. 

According to a 2018 study by payment solution Payoneer, as much as 10.1 per cent of the world’s freelancers are in Africa, where a lot of professionals are also available to work remotely.

This is also because many African countries are facing high unemployment rates,such as South Africa, Namibia and Nigeria, with the highest rates in the world.

In addition, many young people, even graduates, have no choice but to look for earning opportunities outside traditional employment.

For the past few years, both African and international companies showed more and more interest of working with freelancers, also because they are generally cheaper than employees, even in terms of security, benefit coverage and retirement. Moreover, it is easier for a company to check the expertise of freelancers before starting a collaboration.

The mentioned Payoneer study found that just 7% of global freelancers — including those in Africa — work for companies on the continent, showing that African freelancers are working online for companies in other countries.

This is also thanks to technological developments which - while still presenting considerable limitations in Africa in terms of costs, payment methods and internet connection -, have made great strides in recent years, driven even more so by the pandemic and the changes it has brought with it.

Despite prevailing challenges, the freelance market in Africa, with its young and fast-growing population, is growing and shows huge potential for companies all around the world.