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How gig work is changing earning in AfricaCEFR A2
19 Mar 2026
Adapted from Adesewa Olofinko, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Desola Lanre-Ologun, Unsplash
Level A2 – High beginner / ElementaryCEFR A2
2 min
88 words
Digital gig work is changing how people earn money in Africa. Around 27 percent of online gig workers are women. Cities such as Lagos, Accra and Nairobi are important hubs for delivery, drivers and for borderless digital jobs.
Online gig work began growing around 2015 as smartphones spread and then accelerated after 2020. Today more than 21 million Africans earn part- or full-time through gig work, and the sector grows by roughly 11 percent each year. Platform fees and everyday costs make pay uncertain for many workers.
Difficult words
- gig work — short-term paid online or app jobs
- platform fee — money platforms keep from each paymentPlatform fees
- borderless — not limited by national borders or location
- hub — a central place for services or workhubs
- accelerate — to happen faster or make fasteraccelerated
- uncertain — not sure and not clearly decided
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you like to do online gig work? Why or why not?
- What problems for gig workers does the article mention?
- How have smartphones changed work where you live?
