Doing business online as one of the solutions against unemployment in Africa.
In many countries, the fight against unemployment is one of the top priorities of governments. The causes of unemployment, especially among higher education graduates, are said to include the explosion in the number of young people in the population and better (more or less) access to higher education. Resulting in the arrival of an increasing number of graduates in the labor market.
In this global context, where the total number of unemployed would be hundreds of millions, the global economy still struggles to create enough decent jobs for the active population.
The advent of new technologies has led to the creation of new professions that companies need more and more. With the internet and the evolution of digital technology, many people, especially young people, are increasingly turning to a new form of work namely freelancing. If the phenomenon has grown in recent years in the United States, Europe or Asia, it is clear that Africa cannot be left behind.
So what is freelancing?
Freelancing is a term borrowed from English and simply means self-employed worker in French. It’s that simple. It denotes both an independent profession and a self-employed person.
The self-employed person is a person who works for his own account. Who has no salary because he is not dependent on private companies or government services. Who works alone without salaried employees. But he can turn to external service providers to delegate certain tasks.
In addition to the traditional self-employed (such as shopkeepers, lawyers, hoteliers and farmers), over the past ten years we have witnessed the emergence of a new generation of self-employed, thanks in part to the revolution that, by dematerializing exchanges, makes it possible to work anywhere, anytime.
Online freelancing is increasingly becoming a haven for many unemployed people. This allows them to exercise an activity, but it is mainly a status with which they can increase their income.
Online freelancing makes it possible, thanks to the development of the web economy, to convert qualified unemployed people into self-employed persons. By working as a Freelancer, while looking for a job, you can increase your expertise and develop your professional network. The vast majority of these new self-employed are craftsmen (plumbers, painters, carpenters, etc.) or intellectual service providers (consultants, journalists, graphic designers, IT specialists, accountants, company managers, trainers, etc.).
How do you work as a Freelancer online?
There are three elements needed to be able to work as a Freelancer online or “e-lance”:
1. a computer with internet access
2. a way to receive payment for your work (i.e. through a bank account or an online payment service such as Paypal, Payoneer or Moneybookers)
3. the skills corresponding to the assigned mission
Benefits or why work as a Freelancer?
Freelancing has several advantages. Here are some that can motivate you to become a freelancer especially if you are looking for a job:
• First of all drawing up a CV
You keep yourself active. It is both a positive signal to the market and a way to maintain confidence. Exercising an independent activity, during the period of unemployment, therefore significantly increases the chances of finding a job. And above all, it is a source of income awaiting return to life as an employee or entrepreneur (if one wishes).
• Total independence
The self-employed person is not only at the helm of the boat, but also stands alone and without a relationship of subordination.
• Mobility: geographical freedom
With the freelance mode, a professional can carry out his work from anywhere: at home, in an internet cafe or in a co-working space. This mobility allows you to move from one workplace to another and have time or even free up time for other things.
• Ability to work remotely from anywhere in the world
The self-employed can work remotely regardless of their geographic location. You can work with a multicultural team: with people you have never met and who are outside your country or continent.
• Autonomous management of working hours
As a Freelancer you have the opportunity to set up your own schedules. Whether you choose what time you start work, what time you finish and whether you are available every day or not. There is no obligation to work a set number of hours per week or to stick to a set schedule like in a traditional job.
• A professional network
Prospecting work enables you to develop your network knowing that a satisfied customer can become a convinced employer tomorrow. He already knows the quality of your work and your personality. That’s worth every job interview in the world.
• Ability to work with multiple companies
Because you manage your schedule, you can provide your services to many clients. The big advantage of becoming a Freelancer is that your income doesn’t come from one place like with any traditional job. You have multiple customers all over the world.
• Proud of personal achievement
As a Freelancer you only owe your success to yourself.
In short, individuals, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) use freelancing web platforms to outsource some of their tasks.
Some online Freelance platforms, accessible to Africa:
• 5euros.com: a French microservice platform much more widely used in Africa
• Nyamga: it is a platform of microservices focused on the African continent (unlike the previous one)
• Azowato: it is almost the same principle as the previous site or platform (Nyamga)
• Afreeklance: it is a platform that offers various freelancers in Africa to help you achieve your goals
• Comnwork: Comnwork offers you African experts with several years of experience
Médiatrice Nkurunziza
