Chāo-Shì, a digital platform focused on informal and gig workers, is developing a system designed to help skilled professionals across Africa and the Global South establish verifiable and portable digital reputations.

The platform targets a segment of the workforce that largely operates outside formal employment structures. According to the company, many skilled workers rely on local, word-of-mouth networks to secure jobs, making it difficult to demonstrate experience or reliability when seeking opportunities beyond their immediate communities.

Chāo-Shì’s system allows workers such as caregivers, electricians, tailors, and artisans to create professional profiles that record completed jobs and client feedback. This information contributes to what the company calls a Chāo-Score, a metric intended to reflect skill level, reliability, and work history over time. The score is designed to be transferable across locations, enabling workers to present their track record to new clients in different cities or regions.

The platform also incorporates voice-based features intended to address literacy and language barriers. Users can listen to job postings and respond using voice messages rather than text. The company says this approach is aimed at increasing participation among workers who may have limited access to or familiarity with text-based digital tools.

Chāo-Shì began pilot operations in Ghana, where nearly 200 skilled professionals have joined the platform since its launch, according to the company. These early users are currently using the service to document work histories and client reviews.

The company is led by founder and Chief Executive Officer Rya G. Kuewor, who also serves as Chairman. Kuewor has a background in economic integration and is an Expert at the World Economic Forum. The executive team includes Olumayowa Akinkuehinmi, Chief Technology Officer; Lesley Opare Addo Esq, Chief Legal Officer; and Marpa R. Kuewor, Strategic Adviser. Community outreach and partnerships are managed by Yayra Deh, Head of Community and Partnerships.

Chāo-Shì stated that it plans to expand beyond its initial pilot market and position the platform as infrastructure for informal labour markets in other parts of Africa and the Global South.

The platform is accessible at www.chaoshi.work