AfriLabs and MSwitch Partner to Unlock Global Remote Work Opportunities for African Talent
In a move to accelerate digital employment opportunities for African talents, AfriLabs and MSwitch Creative Hub have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formalizing their partnership at a press conference in Abuja, Nigeria, on March 21, 2025. Through this partnership, AfriLabs, the largest pan-African network of over 500 technology innovation hubs across 53 African countries and MSwitch Creative Hub, a key player in bridging the gap between African talent and global opportunities, will connect highly skilled African professionals with remote job placements, leveraging technology to ensure sustainable employment and economic empowerment.
Expanding on this mission, AfriLabs has also entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cybersecurity INC USA to enhance recruitment, training, and job placements through their platform, Remoting.Work . In collaboration with MSwitch and Cybersecurity INC USA, the initiative is set to create 2,000 jobs immediately, scaling to 250,000+ jobs in 18 months across industries such as customer service, digital marketing, software development, cybersecurity, healthcare, and more.
Speaking on the partnership, Ajibola Odukoya, Chief Operating Officer of AfriLabs, emphasized the significance of enabling Africans to participate in the global job market while remaining in their home countries:
“Africa holds immense talent, yet many professionals leave the continent in search of opportunities elsewhere. At AfriLabs, we are tackling this challenge by bringing world-class opportunities directly to Africa. By enabling professionals to work remotely for international companies while staying in their local environments, we are fostering homegrown innovation and strengthening local economies. We are thrilled to announce that, in the pilot phase of this initiative, over 200,000 businesses have already signed up, with at least half a million jobs to be filled across the continent. Nigeria, as a leading tech hub, is a crucial starting point, and this is only the beginning—we are scaling across Africa.”
As part of this initiative, MSwitch Creative Hub will take the lead role in providing critical infrastructure and training to ensure African talents are equipped with the necessary skills to excel in the global digital workforce. Fully equipped co-working spaces, 24/7 electricity, high-speed internet, and industry standard tools will be established to maximize productivity for remote professionals.
Zainab Salami, Co-Founder and Executive Director of MSwitch Creative Hub, highlighted the partnership’s impact on tackling youth unemployment and positioning Africa as a global digital powerhouse:
“With over 53% of young Nigerians between 15-24 either unemployed or underemployed, this initiative is a game-changer. By bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, we are not only addressing unemployment but also positioning Nigeria and Africa as a hub for digital and creative excellence. This initiative will attract global employers, provide structured training for African professionals, and create sustainable career pathways, ensuring that our continent remains competitive in the global digital economy.”
The AfriLabs, MSwitch and Cybersecurity INC USA partnership, is redefining Africa’s participation in the digital economy. With international employers increasingly looking to Africa for tech talent, this initiative ensures that African professionals can thrive in remote work roles while contributing to their local economies.
45% of African property managers show the strongest industry loyalty
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Study this, not that – The Future of Work
The Academy of Science of South Africa’s Scholarly Publishing Unit hosted its first online Lekgotla webinar on Artificial Intelligence (AI) titled Study This, Not That! The Future of Work on 13 March 2025. Chaired by Dr. Martin Bekker from the University of Witwatersrand, the webinar explored the impact of AI on career choices and the value of various skills in the evolving job market. With over 300 participants in attendance, the event featured insights from leading experts in education and technology.
Professor Ivy (Ige) Gledhill from the University of Witwatersrand opened the session by discussing the evolution of AI and its effect on the meaning and dignity of work in society. She emphasized the need to understand AI’s role in reshaping industries and employment landscapes.
“The future of work is changing at an unprecedented pace,” said Dr. Bekker. “Technological advancements that were groundbreaking five years ago are now considered standard. Large Language Models (LLMs) have introduced new complexities and ethical considerations, raising questions about their impact on society and the workforce.”
Werner Cloete, co-founder and CEO of Calling for Education NPC, presented Sensing Purpose in an AI-Driven World, highlighting the importance of purpose-driven education. He introduced the Called to Impact program, which equips and empowers young people, transforming lives in South African communities.
Professor Kobus Oosthuizen from Boston City Campus and North-West University presented Beyond Skills: Cultivating Practical Wisdom for the AI Era. He emphasized the importance of developing uniquely human skills that AI cannot replace and posed the thought-provoking question: “Will AI shape Africa, or will Africa shape AI?”
Professor Boitumelo Diale from Sol Plaatje University explored AI curriculum development and its intersection with education, technology, and career pathways. She underscored the pressing need for AI integration in curricula to prepare students for the future workforce. Additionally, Professor Jonathan Jansen from Stellenbosch University highlighted the role of AI in higher education and its integration into university learning models.
By prioritizing technological literacy, emotional intelligence, lifelong learning, remote work proficiency, and creativity, workers can ensure they remain valuable assets in an AI-driven future.
The recording and slides can be accessed from here: https://research.assaf.org.za/items/e4b0ac38-cc28-4cad-afce-4f82d8a5905e
Kenya Leverages AI to Advance Healthcare
Haleon Kenya Ltd established after transitioning from GSK
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Algeria steps up preparations for IATF2025 as six-month countdown starts
Varsity drives impactful nutrition leadership training in Africa
After recent developments, impactful leadership in nutrition is needed now more than ever. The United Nations (UN) Decade of Action on Nutrition* ends this year and USAID funding to Africa and other developing countries has come to an abrupt halt.
Africa is stepping up. “We need responsible and proactive leadership in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to carry the baton forward for healthy nutrition in Africa and the rest of the world. The North-West University (NWU) has been driving impactful change in the sector for more than 22 years, and we will continue to lead from the front,” says Dr Christine Taljaard-Krugell, senior lecturer in Nutrition.
Putting this promise into practice, the university is hosting the 23rd annual African Nutrition Leadership Programme (ANLP) from 11 to 21 March.
This NWU programme focuses on leadership, communication, advocacy, networking and conflict management, among other things, in a response to the dire need for impactful leadership in the nutrition field. Nutrition is of the utmost importance to reach the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 2. This goal aims to find sustainable solutions to end hunger by 2030.
The aim of this UN goal is to ensure that everyone has enough good-quality food to lead a healthy life. More than 500 applications for the programme, which can only accommodate 30 participants at a time, streamed in from all over Africa. This response clearly shows that nutrition professionals realise the impact meaningful leadership training has on health and well-being. It also speaks to the standing of the programme on the continent and the value it has added over the years.
Henry Ng’ethe from Kenya, one of last year’s participants, describes the impact the ANLP programme has had on him. “I will be a better person and leader now (that I have completed the programme). I am aware of who I am through the feedback, and for that I am forever grateful.”
Gaëlle Rabakoarison from Madagascar echoed Henry’s sentiments: “It is an intensive workshop that makes people push their limits and understand more about their strength and weaknesses. It is an enriching experience with a group of multisectoral people and emphasises the importance of communication and empowerment if we want to be good leaders.”
Prof Johann Jerling, an NWU expert in nutrition leadership development and director of the ANLP, highlights the intention of the ANLP. “Leading change in nutrition is central to what we do. The recent ANLP programmes in Malawi helped us to gain crucial insight into matters in that country and we are now working with all the teams in all districts that are fighting malnutrition there,” he says.
“As our African network expands, more and more organisations are interested in developing leadership capabilities in their efforts to effectively reduce deaths due to malnutrition.”
Prof Robin Macleod of the Centre for Excellence in Nutrition (CEN) at the NWU, says she had the privilege of attending the 9th African Nutrition Congress in Cape Coast, Ghana, last year in October. “Seeing so many ANLP alumni from the programme in various capacities – presenting, organising and leading initiatives and debates – was incredibly inspiring. They truly embody the call to ‘lead from where you stand’, and their collective impact on Africa’s nutritional landscape is evident at events like that.”
According to Dr Thabo Putu, this year’s ANLP is set against the backdrop of the withdrawal of USAID and other aid funding by the United States.
“This withdrawal has severely impacted numerous health and food security programmes. Most African countries have relied heavily on USAID for healthcare initiatives, food aid and agricultural support.”
He says the ANLP is widely recognised throughout Africa for developing participants’ leadership capabilities, strategic thinking skills and abilities to create innovative solutions to challenges.
One such challenge is reducing dependency on foreign aid by finding local solutions to funding challenges. The ANLP enables participants to establish networks of collaboration not only within their own countries but also internationally. Networks such as these are ideal for investigating and pursuing leadership opportunities to solve problems such as funding.
Bank to accelerate property transactions
The property transfer process is an intricate web of communications and approvals, historically bogged down by legacy systems and paper based interactions. Thanks to the digital transformation and solutions that automate cumbersome processes, property transfers happen much faster and far more efficiently than ever. One of the most compelling advantages of this evolution is the substantial financial impact for banks. Every single day shaved off the property registration timeline can translate into savings and early revenue recognition in excess of R10 million per day, says Clive Bredenkamp, Proptech IT Executive at e4.
