Hello African Catalyst,

Over the past year, Africa's non-tech job market—which includes sectors such as sales, business development, finance, and marketing—has experienced significant shifts influenced by economic conditions, evolving work patterns, and emerging opportunities fueled by AI.

Economic Landscape and Employment Trends

Africa's economic growth is projected to reach an average of 3.5% in 2024, with five of the world's ten fastest-growing economies located on the continent. This growth is expected to drive job creation across various sectors, with the lion's share of roles in non-tech positions. 

Emerging Trends and Opportunities

The rise of digital technologies is reshaping the non-tech job landscape in Africa. According to BCG, the continent's digital tech sector, including software, cloud, and internet services, has experienced tremendous growth since 2010, with a current five-year growth rate of 47%.

This digital transformation is creating new opportunities in sales, marketing, and business development, particularly in e-commerce and digital services, and is naturally well-suited to remote working. 

Additionally, the green transition is expected to impact the labor market, with many jobs being created in expanding low-emission activities. This shift presents opportunities for non-tech professionals in roles related to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Policy Implications and Future Outlook

Addressing employment challenges in Africa's non-tech office sectors requires concerted efforts to improve business environments, invest in infrastructure, and implement conducive legal and regulatory frameworks. Fostering private-sector growth is essential to create sustainable job opportunities and harness the potential of the continent's youthful workforce.

In conclusion, while Africa's non-tech office job market faces significant hurdles, particularly concerning youth unemployment and economic instability, emerging trends such as digital transformation and the green transition present opportunities for growth and adaptation. Strategic policy interventions and a focus on inclusive economic development are crucial to transforming these challenges into avenues for sustainable employment.

As Africa's non-tech job market evolves, the demand for skilled BPO sales professionals is rising, driven by digital transformation and emerging industries. The CatalyzU Sales Success Fellowship equips aspiring leaders with essential sales skills, CRM expertise, and negotiation strategies, empowering them to thrive in this dynamic sector and drive Africa's economic growth.

To be apart of this fellowship - APPLY HERE

VC Fellowship - Cohort 6
Demo Day Showcase: Group 5 Wins with Visionary Pitch

We have had another successful Demo Day for our Venture Capital Fellowship (Cohort 6) where our fellows presented their capstone projects. This cohort’s winners, Group 5, impressed us with their "Bridge Builders Fund"—a $50M initiative to empower Africa’s youth and underserved founders by investing in scalable, high-impact ventures in fintech, agritech, edtech, and climate tech.

What stood out most about their presentation was how clearly it reflected the depth of knowledge and skills they had gained during the fellowship. From their investment thesis to the structured fund strategy and their focus on impactful sectors, it was evident that the group had absorbed and applied key lessons about venture capital. Their attention to scalability, due diligence, and alignment with sustainable development goals showcased a thoughtful, well-rounded approach that drew directly from the program's teachings.

The Bridge Builders Fund exemplifies the transformative potential of combining practical learning with innovative thinking, underscoring the value of the fellowship in equipping participants to make meaningful contributions to Africa’s venture capital landscape.

If you are interested in joining our next Venture Capital Fellowship, applications opened today!

Who is Khalid Fadal?
I’m Khalid Fadal, a business strategist and entrepreneur with 15+ years of experience in high-risk industries. As Founder of Tactical Decisions CI, I deliver competitive intelligence to help businesses navigate uncertainty and seize opportunities. With a background in aviation and consulting across 42 African countries, I offer tailored strategies for growth and resilience. Passionate about mentoring and endurance, I’ve completed ultra-marathons, including 2 Comrades Marathons. My work blends rigorous analysis and practical execution, empowering businesses to mitigate risks, explore markets, and leverage technologies for sustainable success.  

One career highlight since completing the CatalyzU fellowship?
Since completing the CatalyzU fellowship, I developed the Virtual Strategy Coach, leveraging WhatsApp to provide accessible business education in multiple languages. This user-friendly platform delivers strategic insights and tools, empowering entrepreneurs and professionals, particularly in underserved areas, to enhance decision-making, overcome challenges, and bridge gaps in business knowledge effectively.

What's one trend you're currently obsessed with?
I’m fascinated by the shift from external funding to bootstrapping among entrepreneurs. During my MBA, I interviewed 702 businesses and now revisit them while considering a PhD. Many prioritize autonomy and resilience, opting for sustainable, self-funded growth over seed capital. This trend fosters innovation, aligns with core values, and challenges traditional growth models..

Any lightbulb moments during the Fellowship?
A pivotal light bulb moment during the fellowship was sparked during Philani Mzila's lecture, where he said, 'Look, and then look some more.' Through a competitive intelligence lens, this resonated as a call to refine the way I gather and analyze information, especially when assessing market dynamics, competitor strategies, or industry trends. It highlighted the importance of not just relying on readily available data but proactively seeking out hidden insights—those second and third layers of intelligence that often reveal real opportunities or threats. Whether it’s identifying emerging competitors, understanding shifting customer preferences, or uncovering potential market disruptions, this approach has underscored the value of diligence and persistence in competitive analysis.

The type of person you would like to have coffee with next and why?
I’d love to have coffee with Saray Khumalo, the first Black African woman to summit Mount Everest. As an adventurer, executive, and social entrepreneur, Saray’s resilience and strategic approach to challenges would offer valuable insights into perseverance and goal-setting. Her work empowering others and aligning social impact with business strategy would inspire new ideas as I transition into venture capital.

One piece of advice for incoming fellows?
My advice to incoming fellows is to embrace the entire experience with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. The process is not just insightful but genuinely fun, and there’s a wealth of latent knowledge to uncover—not only from the incredible lecturers but also from your peers. Take the time to engage deeply with your cohort, as the diversity of perspectives and experiences they bring can be just as transformative as the formal curriculum. Collaboration and active participation will amplify the value you gain from the fellowship, turning it into a truly enriching journey that extends beyond the classroom.

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