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COVID-19, Remote Work and Labor-Market Inequalities in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Lessons for the Future

Author

Listed:
  • Habimana, Olivier

    (Pareto Africa Research Hub, Kigali, Rwanda)

  • Muhawenayo, Jacqueline

    (Protestant University of Rwanda, Huye, Rwanda)

  • Heshmati, Almas

    (University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City)

Abstract

This systematic review examines the relationship between COVID-19, remote work and labor-market inequalities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Using a structured review of empirical studies and reports, the paper synthesizes evidence on unequal access to remote work, labor-market outcomes and their distributional consequences across workers and households. The findings show that the ability to work remotely was highly unevenly distributed. Workers with higher education, higher socioeconomic status, formal employment and occupations compatible with digital work were more likely to have access to remote work, while informal, low-skilled and contact-intensive workers faced greater constraints. These differences were reinforced by unequal access to digital infrastructure, reliable electricity, devices and suitable home-working conditions. The pandemic generated substantial and heterogeneous employment, earnings and income losses. Overall, the review shows that remote work functioned as an unequally distributed form of labor-market resilience, reflecting and potentially reinforcing existing inequalities.

Suggested Citation

  • Habimana, Olivier & Muhawenayo, Jacqueline & Heshmati, Almas, 2026. "COVID-19, Remote Work and Labor-Market Inequalities in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Lessons for the Future," IZA Discussion Papers 19042, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp19042
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    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa

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