South Africa - 2023 – Aasiyah Adams, an entrepreneur from a previously disadvantaged community, is on a mission to tackle South Africa's youth unemployment crisis. Adams is the Founder and CEO of Abaguquli4IR, a cutting -edge accelerator empowering people with the digital and technological skills they need to succeed in the gig economy.

A multi-billion-rand economic frontier

Projected by certain analysts to be valued at approximately $455 billion globally in 2023, the gig economy refers to a labour market characterized by project-based work opportunities, often facilitated through digital platforms or apps. This encompasses paid tasks such as freelance writing, e-commerce deliveries, online tutoring, social media content production, web development, and more. Individuals engaged in the gig economy can take on one or more projects at a time, affording them the flexibility to choose when and where they work.

However, concerns persist that South African youth lack the necessary skills to seize these opportunities. Driven by skyrocketing unemployment, which Stats SA recorded at a staggering 32.9% in the first quarter of 2023, Abaguquli4IR is actively working to bridge this skills gap by providing people with access to high-quality training and mentorship.

An innovative accelerator

One of Abaguquli4IR's signature programs is the Digital Entrepreneurship Program. This comprehensive curriculum covers many of the critical and scarce skills that are sought after in the Gig Economy. Participants also benefit from mentorship and networking opportunities. Abaguquli4IR’s work is funded by sponsors that share and align with their vision of a healthy economy. Strategic partners to Abaguquli4IR's have included various SETAs, international development agencies and corporates.

With a 100% graduation rate, Abaguquli4IR's skills development projects have already transformed the lives of over 600 youths from historically disadvantaged communities in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal, and Gauteng. These entrepreneurs have utilized their skills by registering on leading Gig databases or launching successful micro-businesses that service clients locally and abroad.

With a background in corporate training, human resources, and driving transformation, Adams attributes Abaguquli4IR's success to their evidence-based approach to building digital skills. Adams explains, "We team up with top-notch trainers who get the real challenges our communities face. Our goal is to give everyone, no matter where they come from, the skills to rock the gig economy. Our mix of online and in-person training opens doors for more people to access top-quality learning and mentorship. And because the gig world keeps changing, we make sure our training stays fresh and relevant."

An example of the positive impact of Abaguquli4IR’s work is Ntombephelo Sonteya, a young woman from Fisantekraal, an impoverished community in the Western Cape, who completed a training program run by Abaguquli4IR to become a certified drone pilot. She now offers her services to local as well as international clients, she finds online, in industries such as film, precision agriculture, aerial mapping, and surveillance.

Tips for Navigating the Gig Economy

Abaguquli4IR shared some helpful tips for people looking to succeed in the gig economy:

• Empower and upskill yourself with globally scarce and critical digital skills: Register yourself on

       all the top digital platforms, e.g., Fiverr, Upwork, Linkedin. These portals help professionals                       connect to gig work projects.

• Foster industry connections: Attend industry events, engage in online forums, and network on

       applicable social media platforms with an emphasis on quality over quantity.

• Embrace lifelong learning: The gig economy is constantly evolving, so staying updated on the latest

       skills and trends is crucial. Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer a wealth of online courses.

• Contact your network: Your previous employers could be open to you assisting them on a Gig

       economy model.

• Prioritize professionalism: Project yourself as a professional within the gig economy. Be reliable and

       maintain high-quality work standards.

• Keep going: The gig economy can be competitive, but don't be discouraged. Initial setbacks are part of the journey. Keep applying for gigs and networking.

A South African First

Abaguquli4IR's latest initiative is South Africa's first conference dedicated to the gig economy, scheduled for November 7, 2023, in Johannesburg. The conference will bring together experts from the gig economy, government, and academia to discuss the latest trends and challenges in the sector. It will also provide people with the opportunity to learn about the gig economy and how to succeed in it.

For more insight on Abaguquli4IR's work, please visit: https://abaguquli.co.za