Africa’s growing population of trained artisans, craftsmen, and technicians faces an important choice after graduation or skills acquisition: Should I start my own business or seek employment? The truth is, both options are valid and each offers unique benefits and challenges. Let’s explore why both paths matter and how skilled professionals can choose wisely.
Why Self-Employment Matters
In a continent where formal job opportunities are limited and unemployment remains high, self-employment gives skilled individuals a powerful way out of joblessness. Many artisans and technicians already have what they need to begin. These are tools, training, and demand for their services in local communities. Whether it’s plumbing, tailoring, welding, or repairing electronics, they can solve real problems and earn a living without waiting for someone to hire them. Starting small, working from home, a stall, or on-site. By this, they gain independence, flexibility, and control over their time and income.
More importantly, skilled individuals who grow their small ventures become job creators. When a skilled individual creates a successful business even on a small scale they begin to create opportunities for others. They can train apprentices, hire helpers, or subcontract other skilled workers. One welder’s workshop can become a training ground for three young people; a tailoring business can grow into a team producing uniforms for schools. This is how job creation starts from the ground up. In doing so, artisans and technicians don’t just build products—they build livelihoods, restore dignity, and play a vital role in Africa’s economic transformation.
Why Some Still Need Employment
While self-employment is a powerful path, not everyone is ready or able to run their own business. Some skilled individuals thrive best in structured environments, where responsibilities are clearly defined, tools and materials are provided, and income is steady and predictable. Formal employment offers security—monthly pay, health benefits, mentorship, and opportunities to grow within an organization. For those who are still learning, building confidence, or supporting their families with limited resources, being employed can provide a solid foundation before branching into entrepreneurship later.
Moreover, certain industries—like large construction sites, factories, or technical firms—require teamwork, supervision, and compliance with strict safety or quality standards. These roles often exist within companies, not solo businesses. Employment also provides exposure to tools and technologies artisans may not afford on their own. It also opens access to professional networks, formal recognition, and career advancement opportunities. So, while self-employment is important, formal employment remains a critical pathway to dignity, growth, and impact especially for those still building experience.
The Path Depends on the Person
Whether you’re a mason, a mechanic, a plumber, or a fashion designer, your path is valid. The key is to understand your personality, circumstances, and goals. Some will thrive as entrepreneurs. Others will shine as employees—and some will transition between both over time.
At African Skills Network (ASN), we believe in both. We support our members to succeed in whichever path they choose—connecting them to jobs, markets, mentors, and a supportive community to thrive.
Your skill is your strength. Let’s help you use it well.
Whether you’re a mason, a mechanic, a plumber, or a fashion designer, your path is valid. The key is to understand your personality, circumstances, and goals.
Your skill is your strength. Let ASN help you use it well.
Final Word and plea:
With both employment and self-employment having their place in economic development, the urgency of reducing youth unemployment in Africa demands a stronger focus on supporting self-employment. At African Skills Network (ASN), we recognize that real progress lies in empowering skilled individuals to create work, not just seek it. To reduce unemployment, boost productivity, and maintain high standards of work, we must invest in quality training for artisans and technicians, support the local production of tools and equipment through innovation, and champion an enabling environment—driven by supportive government policies, active investors, and an informed public that values and consumes locally produced goods and services.
At African Skills Network (ASN), we recognize that real progress lies in empowering skilled individuals to create work, not just seek it.
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