Digital commerce, or e-commerce, is impacting employment opportunities in Africa by reshaping the nature of work through gig platforms, direct employment with large platforms, and by reducing barriers to entry and scale for small enterprises.

There is a substantial group of workers who will enter labor markets in Africa over the next ten years. These workers will participate in digital commerce as consumers and with a supportive policy environment, they may also become producers, generating incomes from diverse sources while receiving some benefits and protections.

Despite the potential for digital commerce to play a significant role in work opportunities in Africa, success is not assured.

Digital Commerce and Youth Employment in Africa details the uncertainties shaping the future of digital commerce and ‘future-proof’ choices policymakers can make to guide positive impact of digital commerce on employment.