How to make money with mobile money in Africa
Looking for an easy way to make money in Africa without a bank account or complicated setup?
You’re not alone! Millions of people across the continent are searching for simple, flexible ways to earn — and the answer might already be in your pocket. 📱
With mobile money apps like M-Pesa, MTN MoMo, Wave, Orange, Paga and more, it’s now easier than ever to send, receive, and most importantly — earn money straight from your phone. Whether you’re in a big city or a rural village, mobile money is opening doors to new income opportunities for everyone.
There are actually several smart ways you can make money in Africa with mobile money. Here are just a few ideas to get you inspired:
- Freelancing and Online Work
- Selling Products and Services
- Micro-investments and Savings
- Answering Paid Surveys (like on SagaPoll!)
- Offering Airtime or Bill Payment Services
- TikTok Content Creation
- Gaming and Streaming
- Online Tutoring and Teaching
- Affiliate Marketing
- Providing Local Services
In this article, we’ll break down each of these options and show you how to get started — all with your mobile phone.
Ready to turn your phone into a money-maker? Let’s dive in. 💸
What Is Mobile Money and Why Is It So Popular in Africa? 📲
Mobile money is a way to send, receive, and manage money using just your phone — no bank account needed. You can pay bills, transfer funds, top up airtime, or even save for the future, all through a simple app or USSD code.
In many parts of Africa, traditional banking services are hard to access, especially in rural or underserved areas. That’s why mobile money has become such a game-changer. It gives millions of people access to basic financial services that were once out of reach — safely and instantly, right from their mobile devices.
Mobile money is popular in Africa because it’s:
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Available in both cities and remote villages
Some of the most widely used mobile money apps include:
- M-Pesa (Tanzania, Mozambique, Egypt, South Africa, Ghana, Congo DRC, Lesotho, Ethiopia)
- MTN MoMo (Ghana, Uganda, Cameroon, and more)
- Wave Mobile Money (Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and others)
- Airtel Money (available in multiple African countries)
Thanks to these platforms, millions can now pay, save, and make money with mobile money in Africa — quickly, securely, and with just a few taps on their phone.
Ways to make money with mobile money in Africa
There are many ways you can earn money from mobile money in Africa. Here are a few ideas:
Freelancing and Online Work
If you have skills like graphic design, writing, web development, or social media management, you can offer your services online. Mobile money makes it easy to get paid for your freelance work. Once you’ve completed a task or received payment, your earnings can be sent directly to your mobile money account.
Selling Products and Services
Many entrepreneurs in Africa are using mobile money to run their businesses. Whether you sell clothes, electronics, or food, you can use mobile money apps like M-Pesa, MTN MoMo, Wave… to accept payments from customers. The process is simple and can be done directly from your mobile phone.
Micro-investments and Savings
Mobile money apps offer a great way to save money and invest small amounts. Some apps even allow users to invest in stocks or save for a goal. Though these options may not be available on all apps, many people in Africa use mobile money to build up their savings or start small-scale investments.
Responding to Paid Surveys
One simple and flexible way to earn money with mobile money is by participating in paid surveys. Apps like SagaPoll allow you to share your opinions on various topics and get paid for your time. This is a great way to earn extra income from the comfort of your own home. You can access surveys directly through your phone, and once you’re finished, the money you earn can be sent directly to your mobile money account, making it both convenient and easy to get paid.
So why not give it a try? Download the SagaPoll app today and start earning money by answering surveys. It’s a simple way to boost your income with minimal effort, all from the comfort of your home.
TikTok Content Creation
Content creation has become a lucrative way to earn money. If you’re passionate about making videos, sharing stories, or entertaining an audience, TikTok provides an excellent opportunity to turn your creativity into income. As a TikTok creator, you can monetize your content through brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, or live gifts from your followers. TikTok also offers a Creator Fund, which pays creators based on the performance and engagement of their videos.
Gaming and Streaming
Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming allow gamers to stream their gameplay, participate in online tournaments, or even sell in-game items for real money. Payments for streaming, donations, and in-game purchases can be received directly to your mobile money account, offering a seamless way to get paid. Whether you’re creating gaming content or competing in esports, mobile money apps provide an easy way to manage your gaming earnings.
Online Tutoring and Teaching
Teaching and tutoring are another incredible opportunity to earn money directly from your mobile phone. Whether you’re teaching English, math, coding, or even music, platforms like Preply, Italki… offer opportunities to connect with students globally. After each lesson, you can receive payments through your mobile money app. This option is perfect for educators or anyone with knowledge in a specific field, offering the flexibility to teach whenever you have free time.
Affiliate Marketing
If you have a blog, Instagram, or YouTube channel, you can promote products or services and earn a commission for each sale made through your referral link. Many companies, like ClickBank, Jumia… have affiliate programs that are easy to join. Once you’ve earned commissions from your marketing efforts, your earnings can be paid to your mobile money account, making this a convenient option for content creators and marketers.
Providing Local Services
Another way to make money with mobile money in Africa is by providing local services. Whether it’s running errands, offering house cleaning, gardening, pet sitting, or transportation services, mobile money makes it easy to get paid for your time and skills. Apps like Jumia Services, Locanto… allow individuals to offer their services to the community and get paid via mobile money apps like M-Pesa for example.
Benefits of using mobile money apps in Africa
Mobile money apps offer several benefits for users in Africa:
- Accessibility: You don’t need a bank account or credit card to use mobile money. All you need is a mobile phone, making it accessible to people in even the most remote parts of Africa.
- Low Fees: Mobile money apps typically charge lower transaction fees than traditional banks, making them more affordable for small transactions and everyday purchases.
- Instant Transactions: Mobile money allows for instant money transfers, which is especially useful for emergencies or quick payments.
- Security: Mobile money apps offer secure transactions, so you can feel confident about sending and receiving money.
Start earning with mobile money today
With the rise of mobile money in Africa, there are countless ways to make money with mobile money. Whether you’re freelancing, selling products, or sharing your opinions through SagaPoll, mobile money apps like M-Pesa, MTN MoMo, Wave Mobile Money, and others make it simple to manage and grow your money directly from your phone.
Ready to start? Download your favorite mobile money app and SagaPoll today, sign up, and start earning!
FAQ
Can You Make Money with Your Mobile Phone?
Yes, it’s absolutely possible to make money using just your mobile phone. Here are some ways people are earning money daily with their phones:
- Surveys and Market Research: You can complete paid surveys directly from your phone using apps like SagaPoll, fo example. It’s a simple way to earn extra income without leaving your home.
- Freelancing and Online Work;
- Selling Products and Services;
- Food Delivery and Ridesharing;
- Micro-jobs…
What is the largest mobile money service in Africa?
M-PESA is Africa’s most successful mobile money service and the region’s largest fintech platform. We recently wrote an article on How to make money online with M-Pesa in Africa. Check it out!
What is the best mobile app to make money?
The best mobile app to make money really depends on what you’re looking for — but if you want something that’s flexible, easy to use, and actually pays, then SagaPoll is one of the top choices.
With SagaPoll, you can earn money straight from your phone in several ways:
- ✅ Answer paid surveys on brands, products, and lifestyle topics
- 📸 Complete in-store missions by visiting local shops, scanning products, or snapping photos
- 👥 Join engaging polls and conversations with the community
- 🎯 Earn streak bonuses by answering surveys daily
- 🏅 Unlock achievements and rewards through regular participation
Whether you’re chilling at home, on your lunch break, or out running errands, SagaPoll lets you earn on your own schedule. And the best part? Your earnings are paid directly through mobile money, making it fast and easy to access your rewards.
