Great conversations have been going on at the Connected Africa Summit 2024 which concludes today, with KEPSA showcasing its thought leadership on different topics. KEPSA participated in yet another topic on the future of work in Africa and how both the workforce and organizations are preparing to leverage emerging opportunities. At this panel session, Dr. Ehud Gachugu, Global Director of Youth and Jobs at KEPSA was joined by other tech minds and organization leaders including Conrad Steyn, Leader Country Digital Acceleration Sub-Saharan Africa at Cisco; Emmeline Skinner, Social Development Adviser, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; and Evelyne Kanyua, PR and Communications Manager at eMobilis and moderated by Jeff Mbote.

Speaking on the challenges that organizations are encountering in navigating the future of work, Dr. Gachugu explained that there is a great need for businesses to be aware of the digital needs within their operations and processes which will then advise them on the digital workforce and talents that they require. He further explained that new approaches to work are a response to new ways of doing business. For instance, cybersecurity solutions will help protect organizations against cyber-attacks, which can result in application downtime, theft of sensitive data, damage to reputation, compliance fines, and other adverse consequences. Hence businesses operating on digital platforms require cybersecurity services to help protect the business.

“Great news is that businesses are chatting more ways to be more efficient and maximize margins. Hence, the future of work affects all of us from the workforce to the organizations. It affects every phase from talent sourcing, the supply chain, marketing, and delivery of services or products. With the awareness by businesses on the required talents, then it will be possible to prepare talents required for these businesses” explained Dr. Gachugu.

Emmeline said that digital transformation is currently touching on all sectors and businesses. Already, there is ongoing digital skilling going on through different institutions and programs for work readiness. Hence, with the ongoing efforts to streamline the infrastructure, systemic changes, legalizing digital employee rights as well as financial sustaining models for innovators and entrepreneurs, then the future of work in Africa will be realized sooner than expected.

Highlighting the opportunities for the future of work, Conrad also pointed out the need for a work-training balance to help capitalize on these emerging technologies. Individuals must cultivate in-demand skills such as digital literacy, adaptability, and remote collaboration. Likewise, organizations must embrace agile work cultures, invest in technology infrastructure, and prioritize employee well-being to foster innovation and productivity in remote settings. The future of work offers abundant opportunities for individuals and organizations willing to adapt to the digital landscape.

Speaking on the skilling and training efforts for the workforce, Evelyne explained that currently there are great opportunities for young people to reskill, upskill, and cross-skill, which will ensure they remain relevant and fit for purpose in a highly dynamic work environment. Digital work is the epitome of remote work flexibility, allowing individuals to travel while earning a living remotely. They leverage technology to work from diverse locations worldwide, tapping into global opportunities and networks.

Closing the session, Dr. Gachugu called out to organizations and the workforce to keep abreast of the trends and the changing nature of work. This will ensure continued productivity, innovations, and better processes. Organizations need to adjust their culture to embrace the future of work and build a team that’s agile to the newness.