Careers of the Future - 10 In-Demand Careers that will trend beyond 2025 in Africa

What are the careers that will be relevant in the future especially in sub-Saharan Africa? What kind of skills should people be developing now?

The world is evolving at a high pace and people are moving from BSc’s and Master’s degrees certificates and are delving more into skills capitalization and technical certificates or just showing evidence or proof of work by having huge followings or recognition in particular fields of expertise. It’s hard to know what skills one should develop or what skills would be relevant in the next 10 to 30 years.

This article will reveal 10 careers that will be in high demand by the year 2025 and beyond in sub-Sahara Africa. ( According to the United Nations, sub-Saharan Africa consists of all African countries and territories that are fully or partially south of the Sahara). The list is longer than the 10 highlighted here, but these 10 will be great for those looking to switch to a meaningful, lucrative career that will be worth it in the future.

The following careers will be in high demand in the nearest future and beyond. So if you’re looking to switch careers, keep reading.

10. Sales

You can never go wrong pursuing a career in sales. This path provides you with exciting and lucrative opportunities in both your personal and professional life. People who are creative, knowledgeable, strategic, independent, confident, and motivated have the opportunity to become top earners as salespeople. Even entry-level positions provide plenty of opportunities for growth and a competitive starting salary, and anyone willing to practice can become an excellent salesperson. Most sales positions have a low barrier to entry and do not require specialized training or college education to get started. This makes sales one of the most accessible professions for people beginning their careers or looking to switch professions.

Apart from your agreed salary in the sales position, salespeople usually earn a commission based on how much they sell, creating a high earning potential for talented people who are willing to work hard. Salespeople are regarded as very important people in an organization, which gives them job security in whatever industry they find themselves in.

Sales as a career is so broad. If you’re not selling anything, you’re transferring your knowledge to others through short-crafted courses that you can organize on your own. Because in sales, you can acquire other soft skills that can improve your professional prowess. You will learn skills such as emotional intelligence, the act of persuasion, etc.

This is definitely one career to consider switching to that will pay off in the long run and it will be relevant and be in very high demand in the coming years.

9. Virtual Assistant (VA)

Whether you’re looking to be a generalist virtual assistant or a specialist virtual assistant, you sure would be making a good move making this switch. You would be looking to make from $18 to $60 per hour working remotely as a virtual assistant.

Not convinced if this is a good switch to make? I’ll give you some reasons why choosing a career as a virtual assistant is a wise decision.

• You can decide to keep your day job and also be a virtual assistant if flexibility allows you. This allows you to increase your earning potentials.
• You can be a jack-of-all-trades if you choose to be a generalist VA or you can decide to specialize in one area. This could be Schedule management, Bookkeeping, Data entry, Database management, Running personal errands for the client, Transcription, File management, Customer service
• You learn on the job. You don’t need to take a special course to become an expert. You simply learn while you work.
• As easy as it is to take up a career in assisting virtually, and you don’t have to take a special course, you should educate yourself to remain relevant in the game. People are getting busier and lazier and they need people to help out with a lot of different things. So you can gain some knowledge in a particular field to meet the demand of your online recruiters. But you can do that while you’re still in their pay role.
• You work remotely. Well, that’s why it’s virtual. You work from your comfort and get the job done.

In many years to come, more and more people will relieve themselves of a lot of tasks and delegate them to VAs to do. This career will never go out of fashion and will be in very high demand even beyond 2025.

8. Real Estate

The real estate industry is changing with the increase in technology. Even though there’s a huge technological disruption in this space, realtors are upping their game with the same speed and discovering different ways to do the business. This doesn’t make it exempted from the list of top careers to trend beyond 2025.

“Real estate provides a path to financial freedom, a flexible schedule, and the personal fulfillment of helping families own their homes. Few careers can offer this much.” says Denny G., Real Estate Broker, Florida. Real estate is considered to be a safe career choice in an unsettled economy. Although the housing market has taken some hits in the last few years, it is beginning to stabilize and experts anticipate a lot of growth in the next 5 to 10 years.

Need I say more? — I would like to add that migration and urbanization play a big role in the real estate industry in recent times. And more than before, people are moving from one city or country to another for a long or short stay. And most of them are likely to go for the shot let option only a few would like to buy the property. Companies like Airbnb are making this career look more and more lucrative.

A career in real estate is one that is safe from outsourcing. If you make a living as a real estate salesperson or broker, you will never lose your job because they have shipped your job to another country.

Not only is real estate one of the top careers of the future, but it is also one of the easiest and most affordable career paths to get started in. The requirements will vary by state but generally, if you are at least 18 years old, a high school graduate, and have no undisclosed criminal history, then you are eligible — Real Estate Express

If you are looking for a career with amazing income-generating potential, a career that can make you become your own boss, get more revenue with experience, and have unlimited possibilities for the future then look no further than a career in real estate.

7. Software Developer

The world needs programmers and that demand is growing. I could move on to the next career on our list now after saying that. But for those who are currently in a fix and still trying to make strategic decisions concerning a lucrative career path, I will give you more insight to help your decision-making process.

The employment of software developers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. In addition, the use of computers and mobile devices will also increase and so is the demand for more web developers. The interesting part of being a software developer is that you can be anywhere while developing softwares for desktop computers and mobile devices of different screen sizes to solve problems. In Africa, many people between the ages of 18 to 30 are benefiting from the opportunities that this career has to offer, while people from 31 to 40 years of age are considering switching careers to software development.

You get better with more practice, but the initial capital to pursue a career in web development especially in our economy is expensive and requires dedication, passion, time, and resources but it’s definitely worth all the hassle in the end. Job opportunities for web developers are expected to be good. Those with knowledge of multiple programming languages and digital multimedia tools, such as Flash and Photoshop, will have the best opportunities.

The average salary estimate for a Software Developer in 2021 in Africa is $1,789 according to Glassdoor. And also you can increase your earning potential by passing on your knowledge to aspiring software developers.

Thus it’s crystal clear that becoming a software developer in 2021 is a smart choice both for now and in the future.

6. Cyber-Security Specialist

With cybersecurity becoming increasingly more important to an organization’s critical infrastructure, the demand for talent in this area is at an all-time high. If you’re thinking of your next career move, you may want to consider a career within the cybersecurity space.

The national average salary for Cybersecurity is $87,343 annually in the United States. while the national average salary for a Cyber Security Engineer is $100,565 in the United States also.

Cybersecurity is very obviously a job sector of the future. Official estimates put job growth in the sector at 37% per year at least through 2022 — and that is probably conservative. At the start of this year, there were an estimated half-million cybersecurity jobs unfilled in the U.S. alone.

Even entry-level pay is about $10,000 better than the national median salary, and those who reach the C suite are getting into the $500,000 range.

That’s the good news. It’s also bad news, for society. Because the main reason it is a job of the future is because the cyber risks of a connected world keep expanding and getting more threatening. Africa could be a global hub for cybersecurity skills but Africa is home to many low-income countries and lacks cybersecurity specialists.

Amid all the challenges around networks and data, we remain optimistic. “There always will be security vulnerabilities and we need to embrace it,” she said. “It just means we will need more security professionals in the future.” — Ksenia Peguero, senior research lead at Synopsys.

So if you need to spend the time to have a degree or a recognized certificate to tap into this opportunity, then go for it. But What if you’re a newbie in the tech industry seeking a career in cybersecurity? You will most likely undertake an information security analyst role to start off with. Often time, a bachelor degree in computer science, programming, or engineering is advantageous, especially if you’re a graduate.

5. Agronomy

An agronomist works in the field of agriculture and acts as the go-between for farmers and crop researchers.

As a multi-billion dollar industry, it’s shocking to know how many job seekers are unaware of the incredible, high-paying opportunities agriculture has to offer. It’s an industry that is constantly evolving and consistently in desperate need of new talent. Ag careers provide job security, competitive pay rates, and the chance to really have an impact on your community.

The role of agronomists is continually evolving as technology develops and demands change. Agronomy is gradually moving towards a very scientific approach as farming begins to involve new agri-environmental schemes, precision farming techniques, and cross-compliance issues.

Every agricultural business is unique, with each farm facing different challenges and financial constraints. As the pressure increases on producers, agronomists are having to work closely with farmers to create bespoke plans which suit their individual needs.

Agronomy is quite a flexible career choice, with some people working as self-employed individuals and others for independent agronomy companies. It is also possible to work within companies linked to agricultural production, such as agrochemical manufacturing, seed companies, and fertilizer developers.

The starting salary for an agronomist will vary between £20,000 and £26,000 per annum. However, as an agronomist gains experience and qualifications the salary does increase. Many agronomists build relationships with clients in the industry and the demand for their services can push their salary to between £35,000 and £45,000 per annum. A senior agronomist can expect to earn in the region of £50,000-£100,000. Many companies will also provide benefits such as a company car, health insurance, and a generous pension scheme.

As agronomists are in such high demand and is definitely a job of the future. — Agricultural Recruitment Specialist

4. Artificial Intelligence Careers

I don’t think this is debatable. AI is a revolution and we are already in the era. With the change in policies and restructuring of infrastructures needed to support the use of AI disciplines in many African countries, AI jobs will be topping the rank of in-demand future jobs in Africa.

Industries already impacted by AI are healthcare, manufacturing, banking, transportation, etc. Best Colleges has come up with a picture that clearly shows the different sectors impacted by AI.

A career in artificial intelligence can be realized within a variety of settings including private companies, public organizations, education, the arts, healthcare facilities, government agencies and the military. Some positions may require security clearance prior to hiring depending on the sensitivity of information employees may be expected to handle. Examples of specific jobs held by AI professionals include:

• Software analysts and developers.
• Computer scientists and computer engineers.
• Algorithm specialists.
• Research scientists and engineering consultants.
• Mechanical engineers and maintenance technicians.
• Manufacturing and electrical engineers.
• Surgical technicians working with robotic tools.
• Medical health professionals working with artificial limbs, prosthetics, hearing aids and vision restoration devices.
• Military and aviation electricians working with flight simulators, drones and armaments.
• Graphic art designers, digital musicians, entertainment producers, textile manufacturers and architects.
• Post-secondary professors at technical and trade schools, vocational centers and universities.

But breaking into artificial intelligence isn’t as simple as learning computer science or earning a college degree. It takes initiative, guts, and know-how to engineer a career in AI. In fact, more than half of senior AI professionals report there is a skills gap in the recruitment of new scientists — a veritable “talent crisis,” according to an Ernst & Young report.

From its inception in the 1950’s through the present day, artificial intelligence continues to advance and improve the quality of life across multiple industry settings. As a result, those with the skills to translate digital bits of information into meaningful human experiences will find a career in artificial intelligence to be sustaining and rewarding.

3. Creatives

If you still can't fit into the above careers, you’ll probably find one that will catch your fancy here. The creative economy is one of the most rapidly growing sectors in the global economy, offering new and high growth opportunities, especially for developing and emerging countries. It contributes to sustainable development goals by generating income and export earnings, and by creating jobs, as outlined in the United Nations’ Creative Economy Report.

It may sound fun, but it’s fun work. International Labour Organisation (ILO), Geneva has rightly researched this industry as one that will be relevant in the future and may not be replaced by robots except some specific intricate roles related to the success of the career as a unit of the whole.

Here is a list of some creative careers to consider

What are some creative careers?

• Interior designer
• Video and photo editor
• Beauty therapist
• Event planner/wedding coordinator
• Graphic designer
• Copywriter
• Photographer
• Social media manager
• YouTubing
• Creative director
• Animator/motion designer
• Content manager
• User experience (UX) designer
• User interface (UI) designer
• Video game designer
• Fashion designer
• Industrial designer
• Content creator
• Disk Jockey etc

You can move on to the next one on the list but if you feel invested in this career already I have more information for you dear Africans.

Countries such as Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Zambia have significant production and consumption of cultural products, including music, dance, crafts, and visual arts. In 2010, creative industries accounted for 2.5 percent of total employment in the Zambian economy and accounted for 0.04 percent of exports and 1.0 percent of imports in 2011.

Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry, is the second-largest employer in Nigeria with 300,000 direct employees and has become the second-largest movie industry in the world after that of India. This industry generates an estimated US$500m-US$800m annually and accounts for 2 percent of Nigeria’s GDP. In addition, Nigeria’s music industry, which generates US$150m is the biggest export from Africa after oil and gas. South Africa accounted for US$16.5 annual turnover generated by visual arts and 7,700 people working in this sector in 2010. Moreover, radio remains an important medium, with 87 percent of South Africans listening to the radio. keep reading this on International Labour Organisation (ILO) Fact Sheet

2. Crypto Advisory

Can you believe that Blockchain expertise is the fastest-growing skill according to the latest skills index and is now one of the hottest in the United States job market? Did you see this technology evolution coming? Less than a decade ago very few people cared for this technology which has now become a significant career opportunity for professionals. Growing demand for cryptocurrency creates new careers. It’s also very rewarding if you have the skills.

The demand for people with Blockchain skills is high. Due to its many fields of application, it is looking to hire those who have the skill set to navigate this new technology. Of course, just like with any other fantastic job opportunity, not everyone is cut out for these opportunities. You must have or acquire the skills that set you apart and make an employer want to entrust you with their investment. We must warn that this career path is not for the faint of hearts.

The generation of Cryptocurrencies started in the year 2009 with the launch of bitcoin, whose exact roots are unknown; however, the idea of bitcoin was first published in a research paper by an anonymous person called Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008. As people in every sector now work more easily in a virtual environment, people are more drawn to the Crypto-space. One would assume, the greater the degree of compatibility between Cryptocurrency and everyday technology, the higher the rate of adoption.

In recent times, people are looking for sources from mainstream media and from individuals on what crypto is best to invest in. This has slowly generated a job opportunity for people to get charged to know which investment is right or wrong in the crypto market. Experts are analyzing the crypto market daily to provide the right prediction for ROI and also going as far as creating several trade strategies and implementing AIs to make results more accurate.

There are several blockchain jobs to switch to apart from being an advisor. They are definitely worth the try and are jobs that might be relevant in the future. Although several countries are closing their eyes to the benefits that the crypto market brings to the economy and weighing the disadvantages over the advantage. But If you want to go into this career part-time, I guarantee that it will be a wise choice and can serve as another stream of income. Simply get the proper training to acquire the necessary skills needed to get started on this path.

1. Human Experience Teacher

Teaching is still one of the most rewarding career choices. While being a teacher is demanding, you have the opportunity to make a genuine difference. You also can teach whatever it is that you are very good at. There is no limitation when it comes to teaching as a profession. You may or may not require a license or a certificate to be able to teach professionally and the career has proven to be quite stable despite the heavy shock of the COVID 19 pandemic that halted other sectors and industries.

But what will be more rewarding is not just being able to teach what you know, but how you are able to make what you are teaching teachable and comprehensive to your student. An unforgettable teaching experience. This is the reason the list is not saying “Teaching” but “Human Experience Teacher/Teaching”

Why do you think this Human Experience Teacher will be in high demand and be any different from the regular teaching pattern? This new type of educator can be described as a human experience teacher. Rather than teaching students from a textbook, a human experience teacher focuses on social and emotional learning (SEL). Thanks to video tutorials and interactive quizzes that allow students to engage with content independently, teachers can take on a more guiding role, encouraging students’ higher-order skills. These skills, like problem-solving, creativity, intuition, communication, and creativity, will prepare students for successful careers in a globalized workplace.

In the future, teachers will no longer stick to strict subject boundaries. The real world is complicated, and human experience teachers will enable students to gain essential skills at their own pace. Teachers will be able to offer electronic grading and personalized feedback and use video chat to bring together students from around the world and connect with experts to enhance their classes.

Switching to becoming a Teacher or a Human Experience Teacher is a very smart career move. You have plenty of time for yourself and your family, you can simply design lessons or courses and sleep for a month or two, you derive joy from doing it and you also allow technology to play a big role and easing you of some of the stress of grading assignments. There is a lot to benefit from this opportunity in different disciplines. Just know your target audience and know what will make them enjoy your lessons and come back for more. Thanks to online MOOC sites like the Interaction design foundation, Coursera, Udemy, Alison, Teachable, Tuteria, Skillshare, and a host of others that encourages human experience teaching and is accessible to everyone.

Conclusion

We didn’t exhaust the whole list of careers that will be in high demand in Africa in the next 10 to 15 years but the 10 we have exhaustively touched are worth the switch. They are rewarding and will be very much in high demand in years to come. So if you think any of these 10 best describes your capacity and you are willing to take the risk, please feel free and let no one discourage you because whichever of these you follow, you will be on the right path to career stability and success. We will later write about skills that will die or no longer be in demand in Africa beyond 2025, but for now, we say good luck!