The Gig Economy

Africa’s creative economy is powered by freelancers, micro-enterprises, and informal networks that sustain millions yet remain undervalued in formal economic systems. This panel explores how the continent’s creative workforce can move from survivalist to sustainable, examining practical pathways for fairer livelihoods, stronger institutional support, and improved working conditions. Speakers will discuss how policy, investment, and cross-sector collaboration can strengthen creative labour markets, expand access to opportunity, and build a more balanced and enduring creative ecosystem.

Moderator: Beth Arendse — CEO, Business and Arts South Africa 

Fiona Drummond —  Postdoctoral Fellow, Economics, Rhodes University, South Africa

Mars Masaai — Research Manager, HEVA Fund, Kenya (V)

Mokgadi Matuludi — Researcher, Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies, South Africa

Khetho Tshipala — Taxation Lecturer, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa

Ashraf Patel — Senior Research Associate, Institute for Global Dialogue, South Africa (V)