FLIP Africa was founded in 2018 in Kampala, Uganda in recognition of failing economic systems in the country and across the African continent. Uganda has the second youngest population in the world, with 78% of the population under 35. Yet more than 90% of the country’s labour force is un-, under- or vulnerably employed.

In 2015, Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) ranked Uganda as the most entrepreneurial country in the world, but micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which form the backbone of the Ugandan economy, are marred by low growth. While almost 10% of Ugandans started a business in 2015, MSMEs were closed at twice that rate.

At FLIP, we recognize that work exists, but is hidden in the informal sector. The majority of working-age youth are not simply unemployed, but rather, they are hustling in the shadows of the gig economy. FLIP serves to unlock the great potential of the gig economy, while addressing the informality, illegality and exploitation associated with gig work. By offering a platform that matches the supply of skilled labour with the hidden demand for short-term labour in MSMEs, FLIP offers a revolutionary and scalable solution that not only ensures dignity, accountability and security, but also upward mobility in gig work.

While not specifically designed as a response to COVID-19, the pandemic has only pushed the Ugandan economy further into crisis. COVID-19 has massively disrupted business across Uganda. 75% of businesses have been forced to reduce their workforce, a third of them by more than 50%. Struggling businesses will be forced to restart in an uncertain economic environment. The FLIP platform offers businesses the agility to hire talent for just the specific work they need completed without the risk, commitment and overhead of full-time employment. FLIP packages skilled talent affordably for MSMEs for essential tasks to help their businesses grow, while simultaneously making previously hidden gig work visible to massively increase dignified work opportunities for youth.

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