Platforms and Online Workers in India and Africa: Challenges and Opportunities for Decent Work

Technological advances and digitalisation are rapidly transforming the world of work, and the emergence of online labour platforms is one manifestation of this. The resulting labour market outcomes and dynamics are not well understood, particularly in the Global South. This project consists of a series of four studies that contribute to understanding the characteristics and dynamics of online work in India and selected African countries.
GIZ, 2022-2023

Team

Dr. Otto Kässi

Research Institute of the Finnish Economy

Elvis Melia

University of Duisburg-Essen

Head

Prof. Dr. Jann Lay

Lead Research Fellow / Head of Research Programme "Globalisation and Development"

Dr. Tevin Tafese

Research Fellow / Research Team Spokesperson

Preliminary Publications

Good gigs if you get them: analysis of working schedules and wages of platform workers in India (PDF)The 3 a.m. Phone Call: A Gendered Perspective on the Working Conditions of Kenyan Online Writers (PDF)Platform Work as an Opportunity for Aspiring IT-workers? Evidence from four Sub-Saharan African Countries (PDF)

Research Questions

The series of studies adresses the following research questions:
- Who participates in online work? Are there gender or educational differences?
- What are the characteristics of online work, the tasks performed, and the associated earnings and working conditions?
- How do the employment characteristics of online work compare with other opportunities in national or international labour market?
- What are the employment dynamics of online work, for example the extent of upward mobility?

Contribution to International Research

The findings from the studies in the series will provide important empirical insights into the characteristics and impacts of online work in the countries under investigation and beyond. Although it will be difficult to generalise from our case studies, they are likely to provide insights into the heterogeneity of online work, be it across different types of online work, across workers of different genders or different skills, or across different countries.

Research Design and Methods

In four studies, the series focuses on online workers in the Global South, looking at workers in India and selected African countries, locations that are – to different extents – meeting the global demand for online labour and are home to a growing increasing number of technology firms and online platforms. The first study examines the nature and characteristics of online work performed by Indian workers. The second study that will provide evidence on the employment trajectories of Kenyan online workers, with a particular focus on gender heterogeneity. The third study examines the nature and significance of platform work in Afirca, based on a unique sample of aspiring IT-workers. The fourth study, examines the characteristics of Africa's emerging technology sector and its implications for economic development, particularly labour markets.

Africa Spectrum | 01/2025

Africa's Emergent Tech Sector: Characteristics and Development Implications

Africa’s tech sector is booming, with start-ups attracting funding in key underdeveloped industries like finance, retail, and transport. This study explores how digital technologies are tailored to local needs, their impact on development, and the potential of platforms like mobile money and e-commerce. More evidence is needed to shape effective policies.

Prof. Dr. Jann Lay

Lead Research Fellow / Head of Research Programme "Globalisation and Development"

Dr. Tevin Tafese

Research Fellow / Research Team Spokesperson

GIGA Focus Afrika | 1/2024

Ten Things to Watch in Africa in 2024

Democracy will remain strained in Africa, with crucial elections in 2024. Conflict risks may arise alongside the further waning of Western influence. Economic growth will continue, but also structural socio-economic challenges too. Western policymakers should address migration and decarbonisation.

Dr. Martin Acheampong

Prof. Dr. Matthias Basedau

Dr. Julia Grauvogel

GIGA Working Papers | 06/2023

Digitalisation and Labour Markets in Developing Countries

The impact of digitalisation on labour markets is felt worldwide. In the Global South, internet access expands, digital platforms proliferate, but access to and use of digital technologies remains far from universal. We review evidence on the labour markets effects of some of these digital trends.

Dr. Katharina Fietz

Associate

Prof. Dr. Jann Lay

Lead Research Fellow / Head of Research Programme "Globalisation and Development"

GIGA Focus Global | 2/2023

Digital Skills in the Global South: Gaps, Needs, and Progress

The arrival of AI-powered chatbots has made many people think once again about the skills needed for the "digital future of work." Poorer countries in particular exhibit large “digital skills gaps.” This GIGA Focus looks at digital skills in the Global South.

Dr. Katharina Fietz

Associate

Prof. Dr. Jann Lay

Lead Research Fellow / Head of Research Programme "Globalisation and Development"

GIGA Working Papers | 04/2023

Africa’s Emergent Tech Sector: Its Characteristics and Impact on Development and Labour Markets

This study investigates the characteristics of Africa’s tech sector and its impact on economic development, specifically on labour markets. Using a novel database, we show how African startups are increasingly driving development through locally adapted “home-grown” digital technologies.