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

Olivier Habimana (), Jacqueline Muhawenayo () and Almas Heshmati
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Olivier Habimana: Pareto Africa Research Hub, Kigali, Rwanda
Jacqueline Muhawenayo: Protestant University of Rwanda, Huye, Rwanda

No 19042, IZA Discussion Papers from IZA Network @ LISER

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.

Keywords: COVID-19; labor-market inequalities; remote work; Sub Saharan Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D63 J21 O55 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-10
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Working Paper: COVID-19, Remote Work and Labor-Market Inequalities in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Lessons for the Future (2026)
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