Hickey Institute - Africa Rising: Workforce Trends and Workplace Strategies in Emerging African Markets
The African continent is experiencing one of the most profound demographic and economic shifts of our time. With over 60% of its population under the age of 25, Africa is home to the world’s youngest and fastest-growing workforce. Combined with rapid urbanisation, accelerating digital adoption, and new waves of global investment, the region is emerging as a critical frontier for businesses seeking talent, growth, and long-term resilience.
For global companies, from technology giants to service-sector leaders, the question is no longer whether Africa will matter in corporate location strategy, but how to engage with its diverse markets effectively. Real estate, workforce readiness, and workplace design now sit at the center of high-stakes decisions shaping investment and expansion across the continent
In this new report, the Hickey Institute provides a comprehensive guide for navigating this opportunity. Designed for economic developers, real estate professionals, corporate strategists, and policymakers, the report explores the workforce dynamics, top real estate markets, and workplace strategies that define Africa’s evolving role in the global economy.
This report offers a roadmap for identifying potential high-value investment markets and for companies to align site selection and workplace strategies with Africa’s unique ecosystems.
Learn more about the workforce trends and workplace strategies and how to navigate Africa’s long-term workforce advantages by downloading a copy of the Hickey Institute Africa Rising: Workforce Trends and Workplace Strategies in Emerging African Markets today!
Key Insights:
Over 60% of Africa’s population is under 25, with urbanisation expected to place 1.3 billion people in cities by 2050.
Digital clusters in Cairo, Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg are reshaping industries, while markets in Accra, Kigali, and Cape Town offer specialised advantages.
From Tier 1 hubs like Lagos, Cairo, and Johannesburg with international-grade office space, to frontier Tier 3 markets where firms pioneer custom development.
Successful workplace models blend global standards with local cultural norms, infrastructure realities, and generational expectations.
Firms must address challenges in regulatory environments, power reliability, and political stability with strategies such as phased entry, local partnerships, and risk transfer mechanisms.
Examples from U.S. IT/BPO firms, Growthpoint Properties in South Africa, and the EU’s Global Gateway investments illustrate how workforce inclusivity, infrastructure, and skills development shape success.