The Future of Work is Vertical Platforms

The Flip

African markets are largely informal. So while our examination of workforce and training programs in the fast few episodes focused on formal and salaried jobs, we know that most Africans aren't going to get these types of jobs. So, our exploration of the future of work needs to span much further than that. Where there are no formal jobs, what does it look like to help stimulate the development of the informal sector and microenterprises? And what role does technology play?

In this context, we hear a lot about platforms and their role in creating jobs or income-generating opportunities. But what are the platforms actually good for? And what is their actual impact across African markets? In this episode, we're going to dig into the vertical platforms digitizing microenterprises across the continent.

3:46 - Defining jobtech platforms, with the Jobtech Alliance's Chris Maclay.

9:10 - What does it look like to build the infrastructure for microenterprises? With Kandua's Sayo Folawiyo.

12:16 - Exploring what verticalization looks like, and why it is necessary, considering the specifities of the home services sector.

17:25 - Vertical platforms can do a particularly good job at helping small businesses grow. We focus on a particularly large sector, the restaurant industry, with Caantin's Njavwa Mutambo.

21:20 - A retrospective conversation between Sayo Folawiyo and The Flip's Justin Norman.

Season 4 of The Flip is sponsored by MFS Africa.

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