New Survey on the Gig Economy Reveals Significant Financial and Lifestyle Impacts of COVID-19 in Africa.
Flourish, a mission-oriented global venture capital firm with portfolio investments throughout Africa, today unveiled a survey in its global research series —The Digital Hustle: Gig Worker Financial Lives Under Pressure. The report tracks the experiences of gig workers, those who use digital platforms such as e-hailing or delivery apps, to learn more about how they are faring during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kenya’s gig economy has been growing steadily over the years with entrance of many local and international players offering ride hailing and online delivery services. However the Covid 19 pandemic affected operations in the sector making most players to effect a raft of measures in order to remain afloat in business. Surveying more than 600 South African gig workers, Flourish found that 76% experienced a large decrease in income since March 2020. The report also summarizes how gig workers are coping with economic dislocation. “Digital platforms have made it possible for workers aroun