Until recently, there had been relatively little discussion of what the rapid growth of digital labor platforms meant for the nature of work and the employment relationship. But an important recent report provides answers to many questions – and raises several more that policymakers and regulators need to address. One of the most significant socioeconomic changes accelerated by Covid-19 must surely be the rise of digital labor platforms. Of course, platform-based employment had already been growing exponentially before the pandemic. But the combination of lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, and the consequent greater reliance on remote work, has dramatically increased both…

The fall of Chadian President Idris Deby on Monday to the bullets of rebels marked a frightening dimension not only to the instability of his poor country, but also insecurity in the countries of the Sahel including Nigeria. Deby had not even given an acceptance speech after his sixth election as president before he visited troops battling the rebels in the northern part of the country. He had made in the past similar appearances in the battlefield to boost the morale of the soldiers; but yesterday’s was to be his last as he died in battle. Not a few have…

Anniversary celebrations usually are occasions when the celebrant(s) spruce themselves up in their best attires, ornaments, adornments and all. The venue is white-washed and decorated to the hilt. Guests of honour, special guests of honour, distinguished guests of honour, royal fathers and mothers of the day, chief hosts and chief hostesses, special hosts and distinguished hosts, name it, are always on parade. There is also the chairperson and chairlady of the occasion, among many others VIPs. Sumptuous meals are usually on parade, cascading from the ordinary, the usual to the special dainties befitting only of kings and queens. Expect also…

We are facing an acute crisis of technological opportunity and access, owing to an invasive business model that has proven incapable of supporting equity and inclusion. The stakes are high, and the market won’t fix the problem. As massive online platforms have given rise to numerous virtual marketplaces, a gap has opened between the real and the digital economy. And by driving more people than ever online in search of goods, services, and employment, the coronavirus pandemic is widening it. The risk now is that a new digital industrial complex will hamper market efficiency by imposing rents on real-economy players…