George Asamani Highlights Volunteering as Africa’s Hidden Career Booster

George Asamani, a leading voice in African economic development, has argued that volunteering is emerging as one of the most underappreciated career accelerators across the continent. His insights come as South Africa’s job market faces mounting pressure, with youth unemployment at 32.9% in 2024, according to the National Income Dynamics Study. Asamani, a senior economist at the African Development Bank, sees volunteering as a bridge between education and employment, particularly in regions with limited formal job opportunities.

Volunteering as a Career Catalyst

Asamani points to a 2023 survey by the South African Institute of Race Relations, which found that 68% of young professionals who engaged in structured volunteering programs secured employment within six months of completing their service. This statistic highlights the growing recognition of volunteering as more than a civic duty—it is a strategic career move. The survey also showed that 43% of respondents reported gaining skills directly applicable to their future jobs, such as project management, communication, and leadership.

“Volunteering provides real-world experience that traditional internships often lack,” Asamani said in an interview with the Business Day. “It allows individuals to build networks, understand industry dynamics, and demonstrate initiative—qualities that employers value highly.” He added that this trend is particularly relevant in sectors like technology, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, where demand for skilled workers is rising.

Business and Economic Implications

The economic impact of volunteering is becoming increasingly apparent. A report by the World Bank in 2023 estimated that volunteer work contributes over $1.2 billion annually to South Africa’s economy, with the majority of this value coming from skills-based volunteering. Companies that partner with volunteer organizations, such as the NGO Skills for Africa, are seeing a measurable return on investment through increased employee engagement and talent pipeline development.

“Businesses are starting to see the value in investing in volunteer programs,” said Noma Mkhize, a human resources director at a leading tech firm in Johannesburg. “We’ve seen a 25% increase in applications from candidates who have volunteered with our partner NGOs, and many of them bring a level of commitment and adaptability that sets them apart.”

This shift is also influencing investment trends. Venture capitalists and impact investors are increasingly looking for startups that incorporate volunteer-based models or focus on social innovation. In 2024, over $200 million was directed toward social enterprises in Africa, with a significant portion tied to skills training and community development initiatives.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the growing recognition, challenges remain. Many volunteering programs lack structure, and there is a need for better alignment between volunteer roles and labor market demands. Asamani notes that only 15% of volunteer programs in South Africa are formally linked to job placement or skill certification.

To address this, the Department of Higher Education and Training has launched a pilot initiative to integrate volunteering into university curricula. The program, currently running in six South African universities, aims to provide students with both academic credit and practical experience. Early results show a 30% increase in graduate employment rates among participants.

What to Watch Next

The future of volunteering as a career accelerator will depend on policy support, private sector involvement, and better tracking of its long-term impact. Asamani predicts that by 2026, volunteering could account for up to 10% of new job placements in key sectors across Africa. With South Africa’s youth unemployment rate still high, the role of volunteering in shaping the next generation of professionals is only set to grow.

Investors and businesses are already taking note. The next major development to watch is the launch of a national volunteer certification system, expected to be announced by the South African government in early 2025. This initiative could formalize the value of volunteering and further integrate it into the country’s economic strategy.