Top 10 Best Side Hustles in Africa: Profitable Ideas for Success
Side hustles in Africa are gaining in popularity, providing people with an opportunity to increase their income, follow their passions and interests. Whether driven by necessity or ambition, offering the opportunity to take advantage of emerging markets, digital platforms and creative businesses. In this article, you will find 10 ideas to make a passive income in Africa. So let’s not wait any longer:
- Answering paid surveys in Africa
- Running a blog
- Becoming an African virtual assistant
- Working in freelance
- Online teaching lessons in Africa
- Transcription or translation
- Renting your property
- Rideshare driver in Africa
- Babysitting
- Pet Sitting
1. Answering paid surveys in Africa
Paid surveys are a very accessible way to make money online in Africa. They are growing more popular due to their many advantages. Here are some of them:
- Rapidity: Answering online surveys often takes no more than a couple of minutes, allowing you to still have enough free time.
- Flexibility: You can set your own schedule by participating in surveys at any time of day, from anywhere in the world.
- Accessibility: Paid surveys are open to everyone over the age of 18, no matter your educational background, professional activities or geographic location.
SagaPoll is an african online paid survey that gives you a voice.
The app is 100% dedicated to Africa, allowing it to send you personalised surveys based on your profile. This way, you have a genuine impact on products and services, whether already available or soon to be launched. In exchange for your participation, you will be rewarded with badges for each survey or task completed. Finally, our team is devoted to reply to your requests on the same day, so that we can provide you with the greatest possible experience.
How to use SagaPoll?
- Download the app on Play Store. It is completely free!
- Enter your personal information so you can receive surveys adapted to your profile.
- A notification will be sent to you everyday to complete surveys.
- You can also use the features of the other application, such as scanning products or visiting shops, to maximise your points.
Once having reached 5,000 points, you will be able to exchange your points for cash, either by bank transfer or mobile top-up.
2. Running a blog
If you have good writing skills, having a blog in Africa can be an excellent side hustle.
One of the biggest advantages of blogging is the endless range of topics you can explore. Choose a niche you are passionate about and, if possible, one that is not overly saturated. This will help you stand out, attract more readers, and avoid heavy competition.
After attracting readers, you will be able to monetise your writing in different ways such as:
- Affiliate marketing
- Sponsored posts
- Display advertising
- Membership sites
- Drop Shipping
Getting enough readers to monetise your blog can take time. Stay motivated and consistent in your work. Once having built a committed and loyal audience, you will undoubtedly be able to earn money blogging.
Want to learn more about building a successful blog? Check out our article to know 10 ways to make money blogging in Africa.
3. Becoming an African virtual assistant
Becoming a virtual assistant in Africa is the perfect way to earn extra money while being able to keep some free time. You will also be able to work with companies from all around the world, not only in your country.
Here are some responsibilities you will have as a virtual assistant:
- Answering phone calls
- Being responsible for the email campaigns
- Setting up appointments
- Taking care of the company’s social media
- Booking travels
This variety of tasks will enhance your CV, which can be a great help in your future job search.
If you want to become a virtual assistant, you can apply on Linkedin where offers are posted daily. You can also register on apps such as Glassdoor and Upwork and upload your CV to be hired by a company.
4. Working in freelance in Africa
Enjoy all the freelance opportunities in Africa and put your skills to work for companies. Subscribe on platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork that give you a chance to offer your services to a global audience.
The flexibility of freelancing means that you can choose the projects you are passionate about, set your own rates and work at your own pace. This autonomy is an excellent way of balancing your professional and personal life.
To succeed, in this competitive environment, it’s essential to build up a portfolio and expand your network as much as possible. Online freelancing is an ideal way to exploit your talents, gain professional independence and achieve financial success. Regardless of your location, this flexible career can open up rewarding and varied horizons.
5. Giving online teaching lessons
Becoming an online tutor in Africa can be an example of a freelance activity. Here again, it offers flexible hours and the ability to reach students across the globe. With the rise of digital platforms like 123Tutors and Brightsparkz Tutors, you can teach subjects you are passionate about. From academic topics to languages or even specialised skills, the range of topics is infinite.
All you need is a stable internet connection and expertise in your chosen field. By setting your own schedule and rates, online tutoring provides an excellent opportunity to earn extra income while helping others achieve their learning goals.
6. Doing transcription or translation in Africa
Being a transcriber or translator in Africa is a highly accessible side hustle, especially with the growing demand for language service in both local and global markets. If you are fluent in more than one language or have strong listening and typing skills, transcription and translation can offer steady work.
From transcribing audio to translating documents, websites, or even subtitles, there are numerous opportunities. The digital nature of this work allows you to tap into international clients, turning your language abilities into a lucrative income stream from virtually anywhere.
Websites such as Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer are a good option to start advertising your services as a transcriptor or a translator.
7. Renting your property
Renting a property can be a lucrative side hustle in Africa. If you are going away for some time you can rent your house or flat to make money, while enjoying your time. Airbnb is one the most famous platforms to do that and makes it easier to connect with people.
Property rentals can provide a steady stream of passive income, allowing you to maximise the value of your assets. By maintaining a well-kept and attractive space, you can turn your property into a reliable income generator.
However, be careful not to leave any valuables when you rent out your property. Also, rent to people you trust to avoid any disagreements. On most platforms, you can now see the rate of each person who has already rented something, which makes it easier to choose people you trust.
8. Becoming a rideshare driver
If you often make the same journey to work, for example, it can be a good idea to find one or more people who make the same journey. This will enable you to reduce your petrol costs and, why not, earn a little extra income. This idea is more about saving money, it won’t be the way to earn the most. However, these savings can then be used for other expenses, practicalities or pleasures.
You can also do this activity in your free time using apps like Bolt, Yango, or Indrive, the Top 3 ride-hailing apps in Africa, to make ends meet.
9. Babysitting in Africa
Are you comfortable around kids? Babysitting is a rewarding and in-demand side hustle in Africa. If you have a stimulating personality and enjoy spending time with kids, babysitting can be both fulfilling and financially beneficial. You can find families in your circle by word of mouth or using platforms to broaden your connections. For example, Babysits is a great platform to register to find families.
Taking care of kids requires a lot of responsibility, don’t take it lightly.
10. Pet sitting in Africa
If you love animals and like to have fun with them, pet sitting is the best solution for you to make money. During Covid, a lot of people adopted animals and now, demand for pet sitting is growing all the time: this is your niche!
Whether it’s feeding pets, taking them for walks, or simply providing companionship while their owners are away, pet sitting offers a fun and relaxed working environment.
Use websites like PetBacker to connect with owners and make your schedule more fun.
In conclusion, side hustles in Africa are becoming a powerful tool for financial independence across the continent. It is a good opportunity to turn your skills, passions, and assets into additional income. Whether through online survey platforms like SagaPoll, freelancing or providing services, the options are endless. You can find more ideas on the Internet or even by creating your own.
The key is to find a hustle that aligns with your strengths and interests, and with the right approach success within reach.
