From Nairobi to Accra: How Co-Working Spaces Are Taking Over
Why Everyone in Africa Is Ditching Traditional Offices for Co-Working Hubs
Co-working spaces are transforming how professionals and startups operate in Africa. Shared workspaces now offer flexible, well-equipped environments compared to traditional offices.
Since the pandemic, many companies have let go of leased offices, while freelancers and small teams require affordable, connected places to work. Cities like Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, and Kigali are leading this shift.
Recent data show that over 1,100 co-working spaces now exist in Africa, up from fewer than 300 in 2018. This growth is driven by improved internet access and the adoption of mobile payment systems. Many spaces offer daily, weekly, or monthly plans; some accept professional services in exchange for access.
In Lagos, hubs such as Venia Business Hub and Seedspace cater to entrepreneurs with reliable internet, power backup, and meeting rooms. Nairobi hosts several large-scale spaces, including Nailab and The Foundry, which now support tech startups and creative professionals. Kigali Innovation City has also added multiple co-working zones focused on digital and creative industries.
The growth of co-working ties closely with rising mobile and digital business activity. Nearly 60% of African workers now use mobile-enabled tools to run their businesses, according to GSMA, reinforcing demand for shared office resources .
However, challenges remain. In regions with unstable electricity, co-working spaces face frequent power disruptions and higher backup costs. Internet speed and availability also vary widely, especially outside major cities. Cultural barriers in some countries limit co-working uptake among older professionals.
Despite these issues, the trend continues to spread. Francophone African cities such as Dakar and Abidjan are currently expanding co-working infrastructure. Cape Town remains a leader in creative and remote-work hubs.
Co-working is becoming a staple of Africa’s evolving work culture. It offers small teams the flexibility and community necessary to thrive, even in an informal economy. As tech adoption grows, so does the role of shared workspaces in Africa’s business landscape.
