Digital economy and development: An empirical study on motorcycle driver jobs in Uganda

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Discussion Papers

No.753 Digital economy and development: An empirical study on motorcycle driver jobs in Uganda

by Naomi Inoue

March 2019

ABSTRACT

This study investigates how the digital economy benefits motorcycle taxi drivers in Uganda. It focuses on three motorcycle related businesses connected the digital economy and studies the impact of the digital economy on drivers’ gross profit. The results show that the digital economy directly enhances the financial capability of motorcycle drivers and their work efficiency. Likewise, it indirectly creates greater demand for motorcycle drivers in the market, including for motorcycle taxi drivers connected to motorcycle taxi app platforms and e-commerce motorcycle delivery drivers. Another crucial point for the motorcycle taxi drivers to benefit from the digital economy is the enhancement of their employability skills.

Keywords: digital economy, gig worker, employability, Uganda, motorcycle taxi driver

JEL classification: O3, O35, O55, P31, Q01

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