By Debbie Egwuogu
The phrase Digital Nomad is one of the interesting byproducts of the Information Age – an era also referred to as Computer Age, Digital Age or New Media Age. The digital nomad phenomenon has been on the rise globally and possibly took a quantum leap during the lockdown period occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A digital nomad is someone who uses technology to work remotely while living a nomadic lifestyle. They typically travel and work from different locations, often relying on the internet to maintain their job or business. Digital nomads have the freedom to work from anywhere in the world as long as they have a reliable internet connection. This lifestyle allows individuals to explore new places, experience different cultures, and have a flexible work schedule. Digital nomads can be freelancers, remote employees, entrepreneurs, or individuals who have created passive income streams online.
In simple terms, being a digital nomad means having the ability to work remotely (outside of a physical office) and take your job with you anywhere you chose to be – wherever your laptop is, you can work!
One of the first digital nomads was Steven K. Roberts. From 1983 to 1991, Roberts rode more than 10,000 miles across America on a computerized recumbent bicycle equipped with amateur radio and other equipment. This allowed him to work on the move during the day, before setting up camp for the night.
It is not clear who coined the term digital nomad, but it was popularized in a 1997 book by Tsugio Makimoto and David Manners, who argued that new technology would allow people to return to a nomadic state and work from anywhere
A destination must meet certain criteria for a digital nomad to set-up camp there and work remotely. Some of these criteria are:
- Reliable internet Connectivity
- Security & Safety
- Good Accommodation
- Amenities & Services
- Cost of living
- Cultural & Recreational activities
There are certain Africa cities that have been ranked as the best places to set camp as a digital nomad:
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa’s Mother City, Cape Town ranks as the most popular remote working destination in Africa. Enchanted by its natural beauty, endless coastline, vibrant culture, breathtaking natural beauty, pristine sandy beaches, and loads of exquisite culinary offerings, it is easy to see why.
Cape Town has become a mecca for digital nomads from all over the world. There are over a Hundred co-working spaces located throughout Cape Town, you’ll never have trouble finding a place to set up shop and meet some fellow nomads. There are plenty of affordable Airbnbs available along the coast where you can enjoy views of Table Mountain while working from home. Cape Town is so scenic, that no matter the part of it you choose, you’re blessed with a slice of heaven. Cape Town has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
ESSAOUIRA, MOROCCO
Essaouira is a port city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. The old city (medina), which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001, is a popular tourist destination famous for its numerous riads (a type of bed-and-breakfast). Essaouira is known for its artisan industries, notably inlaid cabinetwork.
It is connected by road with Safi, Marrakech, and Agadir. It is a digital nomad’s delight, with its friendly vibe, vibrant nightlife, numerous restaurants including Western, Moroccan, Western, Indian and Asian. It boasts of affordable accommodation and good Wi-Fi.
NAIROBI, KENYA
Nairobi, the vibrant capital city of Kenya, is also a top remote working destination in Africa. It combines urban lifestyle with breathtaking natural beauty.
The city serves as a gateway to perhaps what Magical Kenya is best known for – wildlife preservation. Boasting places such as the Giraffe Center, Dame Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, and Nairobi National Park, among others such as museums, exquisite restaurants and so much more. Nairobi has a growing number of co-working spaces and a vibrant social scene, creating conducive environment for both work and cultural immersion.
DAKAR, SENEGAL
Dakar is the capital of Senegal, in West Africa. It is an Atlantic port on the Cap-Vert peninsula. The city’s vibrant nightlife is inspired by the local mbalax music. It is the economic and cultural hub of Senegal and as such digital nomads friendly.
Dakar boasts of buzzing markets, flavorful local cuisine like the national meal Ceebu jën (also known as thieboudienne) – a lunch staple which has just been added to UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list. Dakar has a thriving arts scene. With emerging co-working spaces and a rich cultural heritage, Dakar offers an environment conducive to creativity and productivity, allowing remote workers to explore new horizons while pursuing their professional goals.
HURGHADA, EGYPT
Hurghada, Egypt‘s idyllic coastal gem on the Red Sea coast, offers digital nomads the perfect blend of work and relaxation. With its pristine beaches and abundant opportunities for underwater exploration, Hurghada provides a refreshing escape from the daily grind.
Remote workers can dive into the crystal-clear waters to witness vibrant marine life or simply unwind on the sandy shores, finding inspiration in the tranquility of the sea.
Other cities in Africa that have been ranked top destinations for Digital Nomads are:
- Lagos, Nigeria
- Cairo, Egypt
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Luxor, Egypt
- Agadir, Morocco
- Kampala, Uganda
- Kigali, Rwanda
- Entebbe, Uganda
- Mombasa, Kenya
- Port Louis, Mauritius
- Accra, Ghana
- Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Tunis, Tunisia
- Victoria, Seychelles
There you have it! Looking for the best cities to work from in Africa, then you should pick from this list to get your perfect fit.