Strategic sourcing in Africa: the case for the labor market

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to describe the impact of the labor market on the integration of Africa into the global supply chain (GSC). Design/methodology/approach The analysis of trends and comparison of data for 55 nations and territories in Africa using existing data from the World Bank and International Labor Organization, and government and nongovernment reports took place using qualitative content analysis methodology. Findings Africa’s labor market enhances the continent’s integration into the GSC despite challenges in other areas, with three pillars identifying the labor market’s strategic sourcing decisions. Research limitations/implications The analysis is limited to trends analysis, some of which may have changed during the study. Practical implications The findings will enable the global business industry and governments to envision the potential and design Africa’s labor market competitiveness across the African continent. The findings also establish the necessity and opportunity for enhanced infrastructure to attract additional foreign direct. Social implications The social implication of this paper is beyond the potential of Africa’s labor market. The paper illustrates how the African is setting to become the next sourcing hub for the global supply chain, allowing scholars to close any prevailing global sourcing gap in research. Originality/value This paper describes the potential of Africa’s supply of low-cost labor market and its integration in the GSC.