The Global Workforce Shift: Africa’s Role in the Future of Work Podcast By cover art

The Global Workforce Shift: Africa’s Role in the Future of Work

The Global Workforce Shift: Africa’s Role in the Future of Work

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 Welcome to Voices of Resilience Season 3, brought to you by Na'amal, a non-profit and social enterprise dedicated to empowering forcibly displaced individuals through dignified remote work. In this episode, we delve into the exciting and sometimes challenging landscape of AI and Africa's digital future.In this compelling episode, we sit down with Shami Souvian-Orion, Chief Impact Officer at Harambee, to explore why the future of work is not just in Africa, but is African. Shami shares her two-decade journey connecting young people to meaningful work across the continent and makes a powerful case for Africa's demographic dividend as a global solution.About Our Guest: Shami Souvian-Orion is the Chief Impact Officer at Harambee, a youth employment accelerator operating in South Africa and Rwanda. Born in India and raised partly in Nigeria, Shami has lived across West, East, and South Africa, bringing a continental perspective to youth employment challenges. She previously worked at African Leadership Academy, where she founded Africa Careers Network. Shami also chairs Rwanda's Global Business Services Growth Initiative and serves as a part-time jazz singer.Episode HighlightsThe Demographic OpportunityAfrica is home to the world's youngest population and will be its largest workforce by 203012-15 million young people enter the African labor market annually, but fewer than 3 million find jobsThis represents both a challenge and the world's greatest untapped opportunityMaking the Business Case for AfricaCompanies come for cost competitiveness but stay for impact and meaningful storiesYoung Africans bring unique strengths: resilience, creativity, empathy, and digital nativityReal example: A young woman in Kigali seamlessly switching between French and English while helping elderly JetBlue customersRedefining Africa's Global PositionMoving from extractive relationships to partnerships "on our terms"Leveraging Africa's renewable energy potential and youthful workforceChallenging stereotypes through direct experience and authentic storytellingHarambee's ImpactSupports nearly 5 million young people in South Africa and 30,000+ in RwandaCreated 1.8 million work opportunities, with 8% being net new export-oriented jobsOperates a multi-channel, data-free support center with 100+ call center agentsInnovation in Adversity"Pessimism is a privilege" - African youth are optimistic by necessityExamples from Kenya's recent protests: young people translating tax legislation into local languages on TikTokRefugee success story: Young man from DRC who built schools in refugee campsThe AI ConversationCriticism of sensationalist "jobocalypse" narrativesAdvocating for AI as companion and partner, not threatAfrican youth's relationship with uncertainty as an advantage in adapting to technological changeRedesigning InstitutionsNeed for intergenerational learning in workplacesCall for political representation that reflects Africa's young demographicCreating "future-proof" institutions that accommodate youth potentialCultural RenaissanceAfrica's creative industries as major value driversNew Grammy category for Afrobeats signals global recognitionPop culture as a vehicle for changing perceptions of the continentDiscussion TopicsLabor Migration Reform: Creating dignified, mutually beneficial pathways for African workers globallyPolitical Representation: The need for leadership that reflects Africa's young populationMentorship Models: Embracing intergenerational learning and reverse mentoringTechnology Adoption: Positioning Africa as an AI-ready continent rather than a victim of technological changeStereotype Dismantling: Moving beyond narratives of war, famine, and disaster to showcase innovation and opportunityAbout Harambee: Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator operates as a labor market matching platform, connecting young people to work opportunities while breaking down barriers to employment. Based in South Africa and Rwanda, they've pioneered the concept of "impact sourcing" - demonstrating that hiring young Africans delivers both business value and social impact.Connect with Our GuestOrganization: Harambee Youth Employment AcceleratorMusic: Shami is also a jazz singer with albums available on streaming platformsFocus Areas: Youth employment, impact sourcing, labor migration, AI and future of workConnect with Us:Na'amal Website: namal.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/naamal/posts/?feedView=all Instagram: _naamal_The future of work isn't just changing - it's African. Join us in reimagining what's possible when we recognize Africa's youth as the solution the world needs.
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