Learnio | Join the Mission to Empower Digital Freelancers in the Global South

Businesses are digitizing rapidly to stay relevant in competitive markets, and freelancers have played a significant role in this digital transformation. Small and medium businesses are especially happy on this account, with 83% reporting freelancers have been a great help in growing their operations. 

Skilled workers-for-hire, aka freelancers, is a cost-effective solution for businesses to achieve their digitalization goals without hiring full-time employees. This model of engagement is also highly favorable for both parties. Many highly skilled professionals prefer freelance roles over conventional jobs due to the flexibility and freedom they offer.

The Digital Freelance Industry in the Global South

Statistics on freelancer distribution by continent or geographical region are notoriously hard to come by.  According to one of the latest surveys conducted in 2018,  North America and Europe combined accounted for less than 40% of the freelancer market share. Meanwhile, three regions in the Global South - Asia, Latin America, and Africa—contributed almost 60% of the global freelance workforce. 

These figures have changed in the years following, but the overall trends can still be expected to hold. Increased access to digital devices and remote working opportunities have led to a multitude of new freelancers emerging in the Global South. The numbers continue to grow steadily. For instance, India had the second fastest-growing freelance market in the world at the beginning of 2020, trailing only the USA. 

Unfortunately, international clients often overlook freelancers from developing and underdeveloped regions because of perceived disparities and incompetence. Learnio is on a mission to dispel these misconceptions by making the freelance community more diverse and inclusive. We are driven to nurture freelancers from the Global South and provide them with access to resources, mentorship, and internship opportunities to help them build successful careers in digital specialties.

Challenges Faced by Digital Freelancers in the Global South

The size of the global freelance market is estimated at $1.5 trillion in 2023. It is increasing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15%. Despite this rapid growth, freelancers from the Global South still face desperate hurdles to improving their careers and incomes.

Let’s explore some of the challenges they face in detail. 

Lack of Opportunities

A major challenge for many skilled freelancers in the Global South is the lack of meaningful work opportunities. This is a double-edged sword since it also limits their access to actionable feedback and the guidance necessary to upskill. 

A corresponding aspect of this fact is that, although many freelancers living south of the Equator are fairly talented, they lack the resources to learn about international quality standards and work ethics. Additionally, many freelancers from these regions find it tough to network internationally or find well-paying clients in their respective regions. Even when they find work, it’s mostly short-term or one-off projects. The struggle to establish reliable income streams from long-term work is a persistent reality for most. 

In this scenario, most freelancers miss out on growth opportunities and settle for underpaid work.

Limited Access to Resources

Freelancers need access to learning material to keep up with the latest trends in their respective industries. They also need viable professional networks and opportunities to pick up the soft skills necessary to engage with foreign clients. The scarcity of such resources in the Global South means freelancers are unable to deliver high-quality services that meet international standards.

This deprivation of exposure, adequate guidance, and structured learning environments stunts their professional growth. What makes such situations even bleaker is the lack of access to basic services like high-speed internet connections and reliable power supplies.

Unequal Pay and Unfair Treatment

In 2021, the International Labour Office (ILO) in Geneva reported that digital freelancers in the Global South earn significantly less than their counterparts in other regions. This was even after accounting for differential factors like education and experience. In addition, the ILO found that freelancers from less-developed countries often face discrimination and unfair treatment from clients. That includes unfair demands, a lack of work boundaries, and delayed or skipped payments.

These challenges highlight the need for high-quality training and support programs specifically designed for freelancers in these regions. Our mission at Learnio is to aid motivated individuals from the Global South in successfully navigating the freelance world. We believe this will enable the creation of a diverse digital economy that contributes to the economic development of communities in the Global South.

How Learnio Empowers Digital Freelancers in the Global South

Learnio learning was established in 2014 to support and empower skilled freelancers from across the globe. We provide high-quality training and mentorship programs to help learners prepare to excel in their digital careers and secure growth opportunities.

It’s not easy, however, to maximize the value global markets can earn from freelancers, it requires substantial investments in training and nurturing the freelancer talent pool. At Learnio, we understand these challenges. That is why we are working hard to empower digital freelancers in the Global South. Our freelancers deliver consistently high-quality services to businesses and organizations the world over. 

In summary, Learnio provides end-to-end schooling for the next generation of digital freelancers, enabling them to maximize their potential. In the process, we achieve a more equitable and inclusive digital economy while catalyzing economic growth in developing regions.

Training and Certification Programs

Learnio offers a wide range of training and certification programs to help freelancers upskill and stay relevant in competitive digital industries. Our training programs cover a variety of monetizable skills, such as web development, design, and digital marketing. Upon completing these programs, freelancers receive a digital certificate demonstrating their skills and knowledge to potential clients. This formalized training helps freelancers improve their confidence levels and leverage their potential in international markets. 

Virtual Internships and Job Placement Assistance

We don’t stop at just training. Once the training period is over, Learnio helps freelancers secure virtual internships and jobs, allowing them to put their skills to practice and create real business impact. In the process, freelancers get a chance to build professional networks across continents. This initiative allows freelancers to gain valuable work experience and secure growth opportunities.

Mentoring and Professional Development

Learnio also offers several professional development and mentoring programs to make learning accessible for people worldwide. Hard skills are essential, but soft skills in freelancing are equally important for successful careers. International mentors and career counselors at Learnio help learners take their first steps toward securing international jobs and mastering the soft skills required to work with high-paying clients.