On 10 February, Austin Moyo, an entrepreneur from Migson Manor dedicated to leveraging technology for economic empowerment in Africa launched Tafri, a groundbreaking freelancing marketplace designed to connect skilled professionals with businesses seeking talent.
With a background in business development and digital solutions, Moyo has long recognized the challenges faced by many African professionals in securing consistent work opportunities. He told Globe Post: “Africa has an abundance of skilled professionals, but many struggle to find consistent work. Tafri was born to bridge this gap by providing a secure and efficient freelancing marketplace where individuals can showcase their talents and businesses can easily find skilled professionals.”
The platform, whose name stands for “Talented Africa,” aims to unlock the vast potential of the continent’s workforce. Unlike traditional freelancing platforms that focus predominantly on tech-driven jobs, Tafri extends its reach to include workers in the informal sector, such as artisans, farmers, and technicians. By doing so, it provides opportunities to a broader segment of the population, ensuring that professionals across industries can connect with potential employers.
Tafri operates as an online marketplace where businesses post jobs and freelancers apply for work.
The platform ensures a seamless experience by offering lower service fees, secure transactions, and a direct connection between freelancers and employers. Moyo added: “We see high demand in IT & digital services, construction, engineering, creative arts, writing, agriculture, and home maintenance—industries that are rapidly growing in Africa.”
Technology is at the heart of Tafri’s operations, with an AI-powered matching algorithm that connects freelancers to jobs based on their skills, location, and ratings. The platform also offers paid advertising options, allowing freelancers to increase their visibility. To maintain trust and credibility, Tafri employs profile verification, user reviews, ratings, and a dispute resolution system.
Despite challenges such as building trust, securing funding, and integrating secure payment solutions, Moyo and his team have remained committed to their vision. “We tackled these by prioritizing transparency, forming strategic partnerships, and ensuring user-friendly technology,” he shared.
Tafri, already launched in South Africa plans to expand in the continent and establish a strong presence in SADC countries, Ghana, Nigeria, and Egypt, ensuring access to a wide network of professionals across the continent. To attract both job seekers and businesses, Tafri will employ aggressive digital marketing, WhatsApp campaigns, referral programs, and partnerships with universities and trade associations.
Revenue generation will stem from service fees on transactions, paid advertising for freelancers and businesses, and subscription plans for premium features. Premium services will include priority job placement, skill verification badges, and exclusive access to high-paying clients.
Looking ahead, Moyo envisions Tafri becoming Africa’s leading freelance marketplace. “By reducing unemployment, supporting small businesses, and enabling professionals to earn sustainably through flexible work opportunities, Tafri is poised to drive economic growth and reshape Africa’s workforce,” he added.
Encouraging freelancers, businesses, and investors to be part of this transformative journey, Moyo concluded: “Join us in shaping Africa’s future of work! Whether you’re a freelancer, business, or investor, Tafri offers endless opportunities for growth. Let’s build Africa’s largest freelance network together!”
For more information, visit www.tafri.co.za or contact connect@tafri.co.za.
