Authors: Fiona Makayoto, Eunice Omwoyo, Caroline Mbaya, Samwel Oriwo
At a time when Africa is navigating rapid shifts in technology, climate change and employment, the green and Digital Innovation Hub (gDIH) took part in a timely and critical discussion during the EVI4DEV Conference held in Nairobi from May 6 – 8 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The conference was themed: “Optimising the Role of Data, Evidence, and Innovations in Africa’s Efforts to Create Wealth, Empower Citizens and Foster Responsive Governance.”
gDIH’s Dr. Caroline Mbaya, alongside Dr. Eunice Omwoyo, co-led a key session titled: “Harnessing Evidence for an Inclusive Green and Digital Future of Work in Africa.” The session brought together leading thinkers and practitioners to explore how African countries can prepare for the future of work in ways that are fair, inclusive and sustainable.
The Key note address on Future of Work in the Wake of Digital and Green Transition was delivered by Dr. Julius Gatune, a Senior Project Consultant and Assistant Professor with the Maastricht School of Management (MSM)-Maastricht University. Dr. Gatune who has done extensive research on Twin Transition and Future of work, noted that the discussions on future of work had stalled on the premise that machines could replace humans instead of redefining our idea of “work”.
The session also featured a panel discussion by key Experts in the innovation ecosystem namely; GIZ’s Green and Digital Transition Advisor, Kudzai Maraire Mubaiwa, and Dronecrops Co-founder Michel Iland, who shared ideas and experiences from across the continent. The conversation focused on how evidence can be used to design employment strategies that work for groups often left out of high-level development plans such as the youth, women and people in the informal sector. The panel discussion explored questions such as:
- What types of evidence are most urgently needed in digital access?
- How can innovations like DroneCrops simultaneously drive economic growth and deliver environmental benefits?
- What kinds of partnerships between research institutions, governments, donors (such as GIZ), and innovators are most effective in achieving inclusive employment outcomes?
Accurate data on sector-specific job growth potential and evolving skills demand was noted as being essential for anticipating the skills that will be most needed in the near future. DroneCrop showcased how its precision agriculture technology is helping farmers adapt to climate-related challenges. By offering real-time data on soil and plant health, along with precision drone spraying solutions, the company enables efficient input application by reducing both water and chemical usage in response to water scarcity and rising input costs.
However, the innovation faces regulatory hurdles as their drone operators are required to obtain licenses from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. The panelists also emphasized that addressing challenges related to the twin transition and unlocking the corresponding inclusive employment opportunities will require coordinated efforts across the entire ecosystem including government, private sector, development partners, and innovators.
Another critical area of focus during the session was the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), along with the risks and opportunities it presents. A key takeaway was that while AI raises important concerns around ethics and access, it also holds great potential to help bridge existing gaps in employment and wealth creation especially when deployed in ways that are inclusive and context-specific.
Across Africa, millions of young people are entering the job market each year, yet decent job opportunities remain scarce. At the same time, the digital economy is expanding and the need for climate-friendly work is growing. Without deliberate, inclusive planning, these changes risk deepening existing inequalities.
This is where gDIH’s role becomes especially important. As a platform that supports locally driven solutions and partnerships, gDIH works to amplify African-led innovations that address systemic challenges across employment, inclusion and sustainability. By strengthening collaborative ecosystems and investing in long-term approaches, gDIH helps ensure that the digital and green transitions are not only equitable but also grounded in the realities and leadership of local communities.
The session spotlighted several key priorities for Africa’s employment future:
- Bridging the gap between skills development and real economic opportunity particularly for youth.
- Rethinking policy to better support informal workers, who make up the majority of Africa’s labor force.
- Ensuring women are not just included but empowered as innovators, decision-makers, and agents of change in green and digital sectors.
- Using data, evidence and local insights to guide investment and shape policy that works on the ground.
Africa’s future of work is already taking shape. If supported with the right tools, policies and partnerships, it can become a driver of inclusive growth, innovation and resilience. For gDIH, one clear takeaway from EVI4DEV Conference is the fact that evidence must guide action and must be rooted in collaboration.
As the continent continues to adapt to global trends and local challenges, gDIH remains committed to cultivating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship with a focus on equipping MSMEs and start-ups with the tools, skills and networks they need to thrive in a changing world. The future of work must be inclusive, sustainable, and locally driven and gDIH is proud to be part of building that future.
