The Directors of ISSER and ISRA-BAME, along with the keynote speaker and research team members from both institutions, launch the research initiative.
The Future of Work research initiative for West and Central Africa (WCA) has been launched, marking a groundbreaking effort to generate evidence on the evolving landscape of work. Under the auspices of the International Development Research Center (IDRC), ISSER will serve as one of the five hubs under the FutureWORKS Collective, a five-year interdisciplinary research initiative focused on the future of work in the Global South. This initiative is particularly pivotal in light of the growing global digital economy and climate change concerns.
In partnership with the Bureau d’analyses macro-économiques of the Institut sénégalais de recherches agricoles (ISRA-BAME), ISSER will award sub-grants for research on the future of work in West and Central Africa and strategies to future-proof these regions considering the growing global digital economy and climate change. The hub will also promote evidence-based policymaking, and enhance regional capacity, especially in social protection to improve the socio-economic status of marginalized groups.
ISRA-BAME Director, Dr. Camara delivers welcome remarks.
“This partnership between ISSER and ISRA-BAME is a testament to our ability as West and Central Africans to overcome historical barriers and work together to improve the lives of our populations amidst emerging challenges and opportunities,” stated Dr. Marie-Gloriose Ingabire, Regional Director of IDRC West and Central Africa, in opening remarks delivered online.
Prof. Peter Quartey, Director of ISSER and ISRA-BAME Director, Dr. Astou Camara officially launched the Future of Work research initiative for West and Central Africa. They were assisted by the keynote speaker and the research team members from both institutions.
In his statement, Dr. Flaubert Mbiekop, IDRC Senior Programme Specialist for Sustainable Inclusive Economies, highlighted the enduring relationship between IDRC and ISSER. “We have always leveraged ISSER’s expertise and convening power to promote quality research in the region on key emerging issues…We’re really looking forward to working with ISSER to make this region a global learning hub where stakeholders can come to learn about how local-led solutions drive the agenda,” he said.
Research initiative will play a crucial role towards a sustainable and inclusive future
Prof. Peter Quartey presented “Digital Technologies, Climate Change Mitigation and the Future of Work in Agri-based Economies in Central and West Africa” setting the theme for the initiative. He discussed the convergence of digital technologies and climate change mitigation in agri-based economies and the transformative potential of digital tools in enhancing agricultural practices and empowering marginalized groups.
"Digital technologies offer us a unique opportunity to tackle climate change while simultaneously promoting economic growth and development," he stated. Highlighting examples such us precision farming, e-commerce platforms and the gig economy, where digital technologies are driving improvements productivity, service delivery and job creation, he noted that the future holds opportunities. However, he also acknowledged the challenges, with many vulnerable people at risk of being left behind.
Prof. Quartey emphasized the critical role of research in addressing the disparities and ensuring that all workers benefit from the digital revolution. “The IDRC Future of Work research initiative plays a crucial role in this journey towards a sustainable and inclusive future,” he stated.
There’s need for educational reforms
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Education, Hon. John Ntim Fordjour, Mr. Gideon Mankralo, Programme Officer at the International Labour Organisation (ILO), underscored the significance of the IDRC - Future of Work research initiative. He acknowledged the challenges of providing adequate digital skills training, and stressed the importance of education reform to equip the workforce with essential digital literacy and STEM skills, alongside fostering entrepreneurial mindsets. He concluded by emphasizing the need for collaborative research and policy development to future-proof the region's labour landscape, ensuring sustainability and prosperity for all.
Panel outlines policy framework for future of work
ILO’s Mr. Gideon Mankralo and co-panelists outline pertinent policy options to facilitate the transition to green and digital-enabled jobs.
A panel discussion, led by Dr. Priscilla Twumasi-Baffour, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Economics, University of Ghana (UG) highlighted the policy interventions needed to facilitate the transition to green and digital-enabled jobs. The panelists, including Prof. Charles Ackah of ISSER, Prof. Agyapomaa Gyeke-Darko of the University of Ghana Business School, Mr. Mankralo, and Arona Toure of the Senegal Employment Directorate highlighted key themes. These included the imperative of embracing the green digital era and investing in climate-smart sectors for future development, the critical importance of quality investments in infrastructure and education, the need to educate students about the opportunities within the green economy while fostering soft skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, and the potential of leveraging mobile technology to enhance the management of the informal sector.
Tech not a male preserve
Dr. Asante-Poku (right) moderates an engaging chat with Ms. Lawal Addae and Mr. Gning, who participated online.
In a fireside chat moderated by ISSER’s Dr. Nana Amma Asante-Poku, practitioners shared reflections on the challenges and opportunities of green and digital gig economy work in the WCA region. Mariam Lawal Addae, beneficiary of Zongovation Innovation Hub’s digital skills training for inner city youth and Ousmane Gning, Environmental Economist and Green Economy Focal Point at Enda Energie FaticK, emphasized the importance of embracing the green digital future while addressing the challenges of inadequate infrastructure and informal employment. Ms. Lawal Addae, a graduate of Economics from the University of Ghana, inspired participants with her story of transitioning into tech and becoming a successful website developer.
“We should focus on tech because it has a lot of opportunities. We should educate young girls in tech… it is difficult women can also do it,” she urged, challenging the misconception that tech is a male preserve.
The launch also featured interactive polls, allowing participants to share their views on key actions needed to promote the transition to digital and green jobs. This element fostered a collaborative environment, enriching the discussion with diverse perspectives.
The launch, held on 28 May 2024 at ISSER, proved valuable in enhancing participants' understanding of the initiative’s motivations and identifying potential research and policy interventions essential for facilitating the transition to digital and green jobs. The hybrid, which event engaged representatives from key stakeholder organisations and government agencies in Ghana and Senegal, also played a vital role in strengthening stakeholder relationships and garnering support for the project.
Collage of event photos. From left to right: (1) Prof. Ackah, and (2) Prof. Gyeke-Darko during the panel discussion; (3) ISRA-BAME's Dr. Mamadou Barry and Dr. Camara of with Prof Quartey, (4) Prof. Quartey and ISRA-BAME team with some project support team members.
To watch a recording of the event please visit: https://youtube.com/live/SDt51_Skq2M?feature=share
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