Digital jobs

Digital jobs are defined roles in which people who have IT expertise provide services to individuals and organizations to help them build, maintain, or upgrade computer systems, networks, or software, with an emphasis on cloud computing, big data, and cybersecurity.

Digital jobs are not only limited to work within the IT industry (e.g. software development, hardware design, networking), but also includes work where ICTs enable workers to find paid work online (e.g. data entry, image categorization, graphic design, office assistance) as well as traditional jobs which have been increasingly enhanced by ICTs (including e-commerce platforms and on-demand services).

A Movement that Started in 2021 – And Still Grows Today

In 2021, we sparked something big. What began as an initiative, has devolved into a powerful
movement. Today, the freelance landscape in Macedonia is not only different — it’s stronger, more
connected, and full of opportunity. And it’s all thanks to the community we built together.
Over 1,500 students from 7 training centers have been equipped with digital and technical skills, but
more importantly, they’ve gained the freelance know-how and self-employment tools needed to thrive
in a changing economy.

In just the last 5 years, we’ve:

▶ Advocated for Policy Change
We’re actively engaged in the national task force to amend the Employment Law, focusing on
improved social security protections for freelancers.
▶ Boosted Freelance Infrastructure
We supported more than 15 coworking spaces across Macedonia and 7 training centers that
introduced a freelancing course into their existing programs.
▶ Created Dialogue & Connection
Through two national freelance conferences, along with campaigns, debates, and roundtables, we’ve
elevated the public conversation around the freelance economy.
▶ Supported Storytelling & Fellowship
We’ve invested in podcasts, fellowships, and creative platforms that amplify freelance voices and
strengthen the ecosystem from within.

First Freelance Conference

The First Freelance Conference in North Macedonia, held on May 12, 2022, at Hotel Marriott in Skopje, marked a milestone in building awareness and support for freelancers. Organized by Impact Foundation under the RECONOMY Programme, it brought together over 200 participants — far exceeding expectations — to discuss freelancing as a viable career path and connect directly with public institutions. Through strong media outreach and community engagement, the event highlighted the growing importance of freelancing in the national economy.

Five panel discussions tackled key issues including taxation, health and pension insurance, digital skills, freelancer success stories, and social inclusion. Experts from ministries, financial institutions, and training centers offered insights and practical solutions, while freelancers shared real experiences from the field. The conference concluded by identifying two major priorities for future action: forming a representative body for freelancers and creating a dedicated media platform to strengthen communication and collaboration within the freelance community.

Second Freelance Conference

The Second Freelance Conference in North Macedonia, held on April 29, 2024, at Hotel Marriott in Skopje, built on the success of the first event by further empowering the country’s growing freelance community. Organized by Impact Foundation, it gathered over 200 participants — evenly split between women and men — for a day of expert panels, networking, and collaboration. The marketing campaign reached more than 78,000 people across social media, demonstrating the increasing visibility and importance of freelancing and remote work in the country.

The conference focused on four main goals: strengthening freelancers’ careers, expanding networking opportunities, positioning North Macedonia as a hub for remote work, and addressing freelancers’ financial challenges. With interactive discussions, a Mentors’ Corner, and company expo stands, attendees gained practical insights and connections to help them grow professionally. The event reaffirmed Impact Foundation’s commitment to supporting a sustainable and competitive freelance ecosystem in North Macedonia.

Third Regional Freelance Conference

The Third Regional Freelance Conference, “Freelance is for Freedom!”, took place on October 18, 2025, at Cowork 21 in Skopje, gathering around 200 participants from North Macedonia and the CEI region. Organized by Impact Foundation with CEI’s support, the event featured seven panels, workshops, and mentorship sessions on taxation, legal reforms, financial planning, and digital work trends. It created a strong platform for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and professionals to exchange ideas and strengthen regional cooperation, reaching over 45,000 people through media and social outreach.

Among the key achievements were a policy proposal for a Lex Specialis to enable freelancers to voluntarily pay social contributions, and an initiative offering a 500-denar contribution toward the Third Pension Pillar. Dedicated sessions promoted women’s empowerment through “Free-lancing for Free-Motherhood” and shared tools for global competitiveness, including AI productivity and LinkedIn strategies. Supported by Sava Penzisko, A1 Macedonia, and major training centers, the conference reaffirmed Impact Foundation’s mission to build a fair, sustainable, and future-ready freelance ecosystem.

First Roundtable on Promoting and Strengthening Self-Employment through Freelancing

The First Roundtable on Freelancing, held on October 27, 2021, at Hotel Park in Skopje, marked the first structured discussion on the future of freelancing in North Macedonia. Organized by Impact Foundation under the RECONOMY programme, it gathered 23 representatives from ministries, agencies, NGOs, and experts to address freelancing as a path to self-employment, especially for women, youth, and rural communities. Participants identified key issues such as the lack of legal recognition for freelancers, limited awareness of opportunities, and complex tax procedures.

The event produced actionable recommendations, including defining freelancers in law, simplifying tax processes, and creating a Freelancers Association to represent the community. It also proposed building an online resource platform, improving payment systems, and introducing training and mentoring initiatives. The roundtable set the groundwork for policy reform and collaboration between institutions and freelancers, paving the way for a more inclusive and regulated freelance economy in North Macedonia.

Second Roundtable on Freelancing in North Macedonia

The Second Roundtable on Freelancing in North Macedonia was held on April 17, 2024, at Hotel Park in Skopje. Organized by Impact Foundation and supported by the US Embassy in Macedonia, the event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, Public Revenue Office, Employment Agency, and international organizations like the ILO, alongside freelancers and civil society members. The discussion focused on the growing role of digital labor platforms (DLPs) and the need for clearer legal, fiscal, and institutional frameworks to support freelancers. Participants agreed that while freelancing offers flexibility and opportunity, it still lacks structural support and formal recognition within the Macedonian labor system.

Key recommendations included defining freelancers in national legislation, simplifying tax procedures, and establishing a social insurance registry to allow freelancers to contribute and access benefits like health and pension coverage. The roundtable also called for creating an official online platform as a central hub for resources, information, and guidance, as well as capacity-building within public institutions to better regulate remote and platform-based work. Strengthening cooperation with international experts and modernizing payment systems were emphasized as essential next steps toward building an inclusive and sustainable freelance ecosystem in North Macedonia.