Round-the-Clock Growth: Policy, Project Management, and Africa’s 24-Hour Economy
Introduction
A key topic that shaped Ghana’s 2024 election campaign was the 24-hour economy policy. Advocates argue that it holds the potential to reduce rising unemployment and drive sustainable economic growth. A 24-hour economy refers to a system where businesses, services, and industries operate continuously beyond the conventional working hours, creating a non-stop commercial environment.
The concept has gained traction as a strategy for economic growth, job creation, improved service delivery, and global competitiveness. According to the World Economic Forum, night-time economies contribute billions of dollars in economic activity and generate hundreds of thousands of jobs (WEF, 2024). Cities like New York, London, and Tokyo have successfully implemented round-the-clock economic activities, leveraging advanced infrastructure, policy frameworks, and technological innovation. African economies are now exploring its viability especially in retail, transportation, logistics, hospitality, and entertainment.
However, for African economies, establishing a functional 24-hour economy presents unique challenges and opportunities, requiring structured implementation, risk management, and stakeholder alignment—critical elements of project management. As policymakers and business leaders explore the feasibility of a 24-hour economy, project management emerges as a critical enabler. Unlike ad-hoc policy execution, project management offers a systematic approach to structuring, executing, monitoring, and sustaining complex economic transformations such as the 24-hour economy.
This article examines the policy implications of a 24-hour economy and explores how project management can guide its design, implementation, and long-term success in Africa.
Understanding the 24-Hour Economy Policy
A 24-hour economy is an economic system where businesses, public services, and industrial operations run continuously throughout the day and night. The primary goal of this policy is to maximize economic output and create more employment opportunities by allowing businesses to operate around the clock.
Globally, the 24-hour economy has yielded several benefits, including increased productivity and business revenue, expanded job markets—especially for the youth through multiple work shifts—enhanced asset utilization, improved global market access, and greater service availability in sectors such as transportation and retail. It has also boosted night-time industries, contributing significantly to economic growth.
However, its implementation is not without challenges, particularly in emerging economies. Key concerns include infrastructure deficiencies, such as unreliable electricity and internet access, heightened security risks during late hours, and labor welfare issues, including the potential for worker exploitation. Additionally, regulatory gaps may arise, reflecting a lack of structured policies for night-shift operations.
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that balances economic ambitions with infrastructure development, security measures, and robust labor protections.
24-Hour Economy in Developed Economies
Many developed countries have embraced the 24-hour economy through deliberate policies and market-driven factors. Some have formal policies, while others naturally evolved due to urbanization, globalization, and changing consumer behavior.
- United Kingdom: London’s 24-hour economy is supported by the Night Tube (launched in 2016) and the Night Czar (a dedicated official overseeing nighttime economic activity), focusing on transport, hospitality, retail, and culture.
- United States: Cities like New York, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles operate round-the-clock economies, driven by 24/7 public transport, entertainment, and retail sectors, although no federal 24-hour economy policy exists.
- Australia: Sydney and Melbourne promote nighttime economies through extended business hours and transport services. Sydney’s 24-Hour Economy Strategy includes zoning reforms, licensing flexibility, and cultural investments (NSW, 2024). A 24-Hour Economy Commissioner oversees its implementation.
- Germany: Berlin supports a strong night economy in entertainment, transport, and services while balancing labor laws and urban growth.
- France: Paris encourages nighttime economic activities through policies like the Macron Law, which supports 24-hour metro services and extended hospitality operations (France24, 2015).
- Netherlands: Amsterdam allows selected businesses to operate round-the-clock under controlled zoning regulations.
- Japan: Tokyo and Osaka thrive on 24-hour economic activity, backed by government support for retail, transport, and entertainment.
- Canada & Sweden: Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Stockholm extend business and transport services to promote economic activity while ensuring public safety.
Key sectors driving 24-hour economies in developed world include:
- Transport & Logistics – Airports, railways, and ports operating continuously.
- Healthcare & Emergency Services – Hospitals and pharmacies providing 24/7 services.
- Retail & E-Commerce – Supermarkets and online platforms catering to late-night consumers.
- Hospitality & Entertainment – Restaurants, bars, cinemas, and cultural institutions.
- Manufacturing & Industrial Production – Factories running multiple shifts.
- Technology & Customer Support – IT service desks, call centers, and cybersecurity operations.
24-Hour Economy in Emerging Economies
Several emerging economies are adopting policies to enable round-the-clock economic activity, aligning with their development goals.
- India: The Model Shops and Establishments Act (2016) allows retail, cinemas, and businesses to operate 24/7, boosting employment and convenience (CNBC, 2024).
- China: Cities like Shanghai and Beijing promote nighttime economies through extended business hours in retail and entertainment to stimulate consumption.
- United Arab Emirates: Dubai embraces 24-hour economic activity, particularly in tourism and retail, with major attractions and shopping malls operating continuously.
- Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur’s Tourism Malaysia Marketing Plan (2022–2026) encourages businesses, especially in food, entertainment, and retail, to extend their hours (TourismMalaysia, 2022).
Africa’s Approach to the 24-Hour Economy
Most African countries lack formal 24-hour economy policies, but several are exploring extended and continuous operations in key sectors:
- Kenya is considering implementing a 24-hour economy.
- Ghana is actively pursuing a structured 24-hour economy policy to drive productivity, employment, and public service access through three eight-hour shifts (NDC, 2024). This initiative aims to foster an import substitution and export-led economy.
- Benin is investing €550 million in the “farm-to-fashion” initiative, an industrial strategy integrating the entire cotton value chain domestically, reflecting a commitment to continuous production.
- Countries like South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Morrocco may not have explicit 24-hour economy policies, but their ongoing reforms and initiatives reflect a commitment to creating conditions favorable for continuous economic operations.
Beyond Ghana’s formal policy adoption, various African nations are advancing strategies to enhance productivity, economic growth, and global competitiveness through extended operational hours (NDC, 2024).
Africa’s Socio-Economic Context for A 24-Hour Economy
Africa, with its youthful population and rapidly growing digital economy, stands at a pivotal moment in its development. However, persistent economic challenges, including high unemployment rates and structural inefficiencies, necessitate bold policy interventions. A shift towards a 24-hour economy could unlock new economic opportunities, enhance productivity, and position the continent for sustainable growth.
The youth demographic presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Africa has the youngest population globally, with over 60% of its people under 25 years old (WEF, 2023), (UN, 2021). Yet, youth unemployment remains a significant issue, averaging 8.9% across the continent, while Ghana’s stands at 5.5%. While the Ghanaian rate appears lower, underemployment and job informality remain pressing concerns (ILO, 2024). Expanding economic activity beyond traditional working hours could create more employment opportunities and fully leverage the continent’s human capital.
A 24-hour economy aligns with Africa’s increasing urbanization and digital transformation. The continent’s digital economy is projected to reach $180 billion by 2025, representing 5.2% of continental GDP, driven by mobile connectivity, fintech, and e-commerce (CNBCAfrica, 2025). Adopting a round-the-clock economic model could amplify these gains by maximizing service availability and increasing global market competitiveness. However, to succeed, this transition requires careful planning, regulatory support, and infrastructural investments.
Opportunities and Challenges
Opportunities:
- Job Creation: Expanding operational hours in industries such as retail, transport, manufacturing, and technology could generate employment, particularly for young people.
- Increased Economic Output: Longer working hours translate to higher production levels, particularly in manufacturing and service-oriented sectors.
- Global Market Integration: A 24-hour economy aligns with global business operations, allowing African businesses to engage seamlessly in international trade.
- Enhanced Public Services: Continuous access to healthcare, banking, and government services can improve quality of life and economic efficiency.
Challenges:
- Security Concerns: Extended working hours require robust security measures to protect workers, businesses, and consumers.
- Infrastructure Deficiencies: Reliable electricity, transportation, and internet connectivity are critical for sustaining 24-hour operations.
- Regulatory and Labor Constraints: Labor laws must be adapted to support shift work while ensuring worker well-being and fair compensation.
- Cultural and Social Adjustments: Shifting economic activity patterns may require societal adaptations in work-life balance and consumer behavior.
Integrating Project Management for Effective Implementation
To transition effectively to a 24-hour economy, structured project management principles should guide policy formulation and execution. Key areas of focus include:
- Defining Policy Scope & Objectives
- Establish clear boundaries of economic targets, key sectors (e.g., retail, logistics, ICT, hospitality, manufacturing), and policy expectations for structured implementation.
- Structure Implementation to cover infrastructure upgrades, labor law adjustments, and technology integration to support a seamless 24-hour economy.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Policy Formulation:
- Collaboration between government, businesses, labor unions, and the public is crucial to developing inclusive policies.
- Policymakers should conduct feasibility studies to assess sector-specific readiness and resource allocation needs.
- Infrastructure Development:
- Investment in reliable electricity, efficient transport systems, and digital infrastructure is essential.
- Public-private partnerships can accelerate infrastructure projects and ensure long-term sustainability.
- Workforce Management & Labor Regulations:
- Policies must balance business interests with worker rights, ensuring fair wages, health benefits, and job security. Flexible work schedules and employee protections mitigates burnout in 24-hour industries (Hatayama, 2021).
- Upskilling programs should be introduced to prepare workers for emerging roles in the 24-hour economy.
- Security and Public Safety:
- Strengthening law enforcement and smart surveillance systems will enhance security for businesses and workers operating at night.
- Community-based safety initiatives can foster public trust and encourage participation in the new economic model.
- Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E):
- Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) will help track the economic impact of the transition.
- Continuous assessment and data-driven policy adjustments will ensure sustainability and scalability.
- Risk Management & Adaptability:
- Identifying potential risks, such as power shortages or labor disputes, and developing contingency plans will mitigate disruptions.
- Pilot programs in selected sectors can provide valuable insights before full-scale implementation.
Conclusion
A well-structured 24-hour economy, underpinned by robust project management principles, can drive Africa’s economic transformation. By strategically addressing infrastructure needs, regulatory frameworks, and security concerns, the continent can harness the benefits of continuous economic activity. If executed effectively, this model will not only create jobs but also enhance Africa’s global competitiveness, making it a leader in the digital and industrial age.
References
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ILO. (2024). Global Employment Trends for Youth 2024 – Sub Sahran Africa. Geneva: International Labour Organization.
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TourismMalaysia. (2022). Tourism Malaysia Marketing Plan 2022-2026. Putrajaya: Tourism Malaysia Promotion Board.
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