Work in Africa | Prospects.ac.uk

Home to the world-famous Victoria Falls and Mount Kilimanjaro, exotic wildlife, as well as 56 sovereign states and roughly 1,500 to 2,000 spoken languages, Africa is a continent of rich cultural diversity with plenty to explore.

Several multinational companies (MNCs), including big names such as Barclays, Deloitte, DHL, PwC, and Microsoft, have African bases - meaning you may be eligible to work in Africa without moving organisations.

Jobs in Africa

The total population in Africa is estimated to be around 1.55 billion in 2025 and according to Statista, there were around 529.4 million people employed in 2024. However, this estimate does not consider informal employment, which is widespread in the continent.

Major industries in Africa include:

agriculture
construction
manufacturing
mining
oil and gas
textiles
tourism.

Multinational companies in Africa

MNCs with a presence in Africa are the primary employers for foreign professionals. These companies have established recruitment channels and are well-versed in navigating the visa application process. Reaching out directly to these companies increases your chances of landing a position in Africa.

African Business publishes an annual report, the Brand Africa 100, a consumer-led survey which questions thousands of African adults to explore what makes a company appealing to prospective employees.

Findings from the 2025 report revealed that brands with an international presence dominate the list, with the top five made up of:

Nike
Adidas
Samsung
Coca-Cola
Apple.

Whether you're volunteering or working for an MNC, prioritise:

cultural sensitivity
fair compensation
sustainability
transparency.

MNCs should adhere to ethical, environmental and labour practices and avoid corruption.

Skills shortages

In Africa, the persistent challenge of skills shortages across various sectors poses a significant barrier to economic growth and development.

Recent OECD data, as outlined in Africa’s Development Dynamics 2024, predicted that the continent's working-age population would double by 2025, and these workers will be looking for jobs. However, a substantial portion of the workforce lacks the specialised skills required for emerging industries, compounded by the fact that Africa doesn't provide enough quality jobs to give workers an incentive to further develop their skills.

Africa faces a shortage of skilled workers across a number of sectors, including:

agriculture
banking
construction
engineering
finance
healthcare
infrastructure
IT
logistics
tourism.

Addressing the skills gap is a significant concern for companies aiming to promote long-term growth and prosperity throughout the continent. Foreign graduates may discover that their expertise is vital to the advancement of fields such as:

education
healthcare
infrastructure
technology.

Foreign workers should secure employment before relocating to ensure that they can obtain a work visa, despite the availability of job opportunities in various shortage areas.

Best places to work in Africa

The African continent is made up of a number of countries that offer exciting opportunities for foreign workers. Some of the best places to work in Africa include:

Botswana - home to a fast-growing economy, where English is widely spoken. A number of international companies, such as De Beers Group, DHL and Huawei Technologies, operate there.
Egypt - an influential economy known in particular for its opportunities in banking and finance, manufacturing, technology and tourism.
Kenya - a growing innovation and technology hub, Nairobi is known as the 'Silicon Savannah'.
Namibia - its stable economy offers opportunities in agriculture, mining, renewable energy, as well as tourism.
Nigeria - is Africa's largest economy, offering opportunities in finance, oil and gas, telecommunications and technology.
South Africa - one of the continent's most developed economies, great for opportunities in agriculture, mining, finance and technology. Learn more about working and studying in South Africa.

Bear in mind that some areas of Africa are classed as unsafe - check GOV.UK Foreign travel advice to find up-to-date information for travelling to your chosen country.

African salaries

If you are searching for a high salary, you may want to consider options outside of Africa, as salaries in the region are generally lower than those for the same roles in the UK. In fact, the average earnings in the UK are often several times higher than their African counterparts.

For example, in 2025 the Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimate that the median gross annual salary in the UK is £39,039 for full-time employees, while estimates put annual salaries in South Africa between £14,441 and £18,204, those in Kenya at £9,788 to £11,604 and earnings in Namibia at £8,988. Bear in mind these are estimates only; salaries in Africa vary widely by country and there is no average for the continent as a whole.

According to a list compiled by Business Insider Africa and Salary Explorer, in 2024 the following countries were known to pay some of the highest (average monthly) salaries in Africa:

Morocco - £1,521.
South Africa - £1,517.
Tunisia - £1,009.
Kenya - £967.
Algeria - £953.

However, you'll find that the cost of living on the African continent is much lower than that in the UK, so the vast difference in average salaries usually balances out. As a guide, the cost of living in South Africa is estimated to be 40% to 45% cheaper than in the UK.

Where to look for jobs

You can search for vacancies at:

Alternatively, consider volunteering through a company such as International Volunteer HQ or Kaya Responsible Travel.

Working in local communities, you'll find gap year programmes and work placements in a range of areas such as:

animal conservation
community sport
teaching.

Completing a volunteer placement could open up job opportunities, and it also helps you develop the skills employers are looking for.

Start your job hunt online from your home country. Most companies accept applications through an online portal, where you'll upload a CV and complete an application form, before being invited for an online interview if you're successful.

For volunteers, ensure your skills are genuinely needed and focus on long-term impacts. When seeking employment, consider companies with strong ethical records. By being mindful of these ethical considerations, you can make a positive contribution to African communities while achieving your career goals.

African visas

If you plan to work in Africa, it is essential to obtain a visa or permit. Regardless of whether you have long-term plans or are looking for a temporary job, different countries have varying requirements. To get more information, you can contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are interested in.

It is advisable to submit your visa application well in advance. The processing of your application usually takes three working days, but it is recommended that you allow for possible delays and other factors, such as mailing time, if you are unable to submit it in person. You can check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are interested in for a more specific timeframe.

Study in Africa

Studying abroad is another great way to experience life in Africa. There are 47 African universities listed in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Most of these universities are located in Egypt or South Africa, however, other institutions that have made the list are located in:

Ethiopia
Ghana
Kenya
Morocco
Nigeria
Sudan
Tunisia
Uganda.

Find out more

Explore your options for working abroad in different countries.
Find out what's required to teach English abroad.