What this life looks like
You build the walls that shelter Africa's families and businesses. Masons and Bricklayers construct structures using brick, block, stone, and concrete — the fundamental building blocks of most African construction. As one of the continent's most universally needed trades, masonry offers stable, accessible employment in every community where building happens — which is to say, everywhere.
What she actually does
You read building plans and set out wall lines, mix and apply mortar, lay bricks, blocks, and stone to construct walls, foundations, and other structures, build and finish concrete elements, install damp-proofing and insulation where required, ensure work is plumb, level, and structurally sound, and finish surfaces for plastering or other treatments.
Where you can work
| Sector | Places in Africa |
|---|---|
| Construction Companies | Every building contractor across Africa employs masons — from small local builders to major construction firms |
| Government Housing Programmes | National housing programmes across Africa — large-scale public housing construction requires masons at scale |
| Self-Employed | Many masons work independently or in small teams, contracted directly by homeowners for residential building |
| NGO Construction Programmes | Habitat for Humanity and similar organisations building homes, schools, and clinics across Africa |
Why it matters in Africa
Africa's housing deficit is one of the largest in the world — hundreds of millions of people need adequate housing, and meeting this need requires masons at an enormous scale. Every school, clinic, factory, and home built across the continent requires masonry work. It is also one of the most accessible trades to enter, requiring relatively modest formal training before productive work can begin, making it an important pathway to stable income for many young Africans.
Your pathway in
- Complete a TVET bricklaying and masonry qualification, or learn through structured apprenticeship with an experienced mason
- Develop skills progressively: start with simple block laying before progressing to more complex brickwork, stonework, and decorative finishes
- Build knowledge of different building materials used in your region — fired brick, concrete block, stabilised earth block, and stone all require different techniques
- Pass your trade test for formal certification where this is required by employers
- Consider progressing toward site supervision or construction management as you gain experience
Skills you will need
- Brick and block laying techniques
- Mortar mixing and application
- Reading building plans and setting out
- Concrete work
- Plumb, level, and square measurement
- Material knowledge (brick, block, stone)
A woman in this field
Jane Ifeoma
Nigeria
Jane Ifeoma is a popular Nigerian female bricklayer from Enugu State who went viral for breaking gender stereotypes in a male-dominated industry. She took up the physically demanding job of masonry and bricklaying to single-handedly provide for her 15 dependents and extended family members. She successfully used her masonry earnings to start building her own house. Her hard work enabled her to purchase a motorcycle to ease her daily commute.
Take your first step
- Research bricklaying and masonry courses at TVET colleges or community skills centres near you — many offer short, accessible courses suitable for beginners
- Practise basic bricklaying if you can access materials — even practising with a few bricks and mortar on a small project develops the hand skills needed
- Visit a construction site (with permission) and observe masons at work — noting how they set out lines, mix mortar, and check their work for level and plumb
- Research Habitat for Humanity's building programmes in your country — they often run volunteer build days that provide hands-on construction exposure for newcomers
Careers close to this one
- Carpenter/Joiner
- Tiler
- Construction Manager
- Building Inspector
- Plant Operator