The African labour market is struggling to keep up with global productivity standards, with most countries ranking poorly in labour productivity metrics. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the continent's labour force lags behind in terms of productivity compared to other regions, with many countries taking the bottom 10 position worldwide.

The top 10 African countries with the most productive labour force have been revealed, with Libya leading the pack at $30 per hour worked, followed by Gabon, Botswana, and South Africa. The list highlights the vast differences in productivity levels worldwide, with the top 10 global countries producing a value of between $146 and $74 per hour, compared to the top 10 African countries, which produce between $30 and $16 per hour.

The labour productivity gap has significant implications for economic growth and innovation in Africa. A decline in key drivers of innovation and economic growth has been linked to the drop in labour productivity, affecting critical sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and the service sector. To boost Africa's productivity, the World Bank has called for a comprehensive agenda to direct resources to the most productive firms in the sectors that hold the most promise for the continent.

The report's findings have significant implications for startups and entrepreneurs in Africa, highlighting the need for investment in education and skills to adapt to new technologies and more efficient production processes. As the African labour market continues to lag behind, it is essential for policymakers and business leaders to prioritize labour productivity to drive economic growth and innovation on the continent.