GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP HUB

A new era of collaboration

Berlin, Germany - Friday, September 13, 2024 will be remembered as a historic moment for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) as it marked the realisation of an innovative concept advocating for the exchange of labor and skills between the Global North and Global South. In Berlin, an MOU was signed between FNF, the Government of Kenya, the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, and Qhala Trust. This initiative was born out of the recognition that while the Baby Boomer generation in the Global North is rapidly retiring, creating significant labour shortages, many young, talented professionals in the Global South face a lack of job opportunities.

The concept leverages technology to bridge these gaps, allowing skilled youth from the Global South to access remote job opportunities, benefiting both regions.

“The recent state elections in Thuringia and Saxony have shown us that the willingness to integrate migrants in Germany is currently limited. Unfortunately, no distinction is made between refugees, asylum seekers, labour migrants, and urgently needed skilled workers. A digital division of labour, where workers remain in their home country, is therefore a real alternative. The potential is huge. Any work that can be done from home could, in principle, also be done from Kenya!” remarked Prof. Karl-Heinz Paqué, Chairman of the Board of FNF.

The event, held in Berlin and attended by over 50 delegates, was headlined by the President of Kenya, His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto. The Kenyan President has been championing the idea of remote work in an effort to address the growing unemployment crisis in the country, particularly among skilled youth.

According to President Ruto, FNF made a strategic decision by choosing Kenya for the initiative, citing the country's wealth of talent and technological advancements.

“Kenya boasts the best human capital, not just in the Global South but anywhere else in the world. Today, we unite German technology, renowned around the world, with the innovation and hard work of the Kenyan people,” said President Ruto. “This collaboration creates a unique opportunity to harness technology to drive manufacturing, boost job creation, and expand opportunities for both Germans and Kenyans.”

Also present at the event were Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, former Prime Minister and leader of ODM party Raila Odinga, Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Dr. Alfred Mutua, Principal Secretaries, German and Kenyan Members of Parliament, and the German-African Business Association, represented by CEO Christoph Kannengießer.

The signing of this MOU sets the stage for a win-win model that addresses Germany's labour challenges, fuelled by the retirement of the Baby Boomer generation, while providing qualified Kenyan professionals with access to decent remote jobs. The pilot project will launch in Nakuru County, Kenya, spearheaded by FNF's Nairobi office.