5 Businesses You Can Start with Nearly No Capital in Africa

Starting a business is an exciting idea, but usually, most of the excitement fades when you realise the amount of money you will need to turn your idea into a profitable business. There is also the issue of logistics and risks.

Contrary to common opinion, there are actually many options to start a company that allows you to concentrate less on planning and operating expenses and more on getting started.

These low-investment small business ideas are suited for Africa and provide a perfect entry point for beginners, bootstrappers or anyone with a busy schedule and allow you to pick up a side business without having to let go of any other engagements.

You will still need to come up with a solid idea, develop a brand, put marketing effort and offer outstanding customer service. However, there are ways to bypass other conventional startup costs including initial inventory, warehousing, and retail space.

Here are 5 business you can start with almost no capital in Africa.

1. In-home child care

If you love children and have a nice setting for them, it could be a perfect idea for you to turn your home into an in-home childcare facility. There would be certain fees and criteria for licenses (which differ by country), but aside from these, the costs associated with starting a home childcare business are highly minimal.

2. Freelance Writing or Editing

Do you possess strong writing or editing skills? then you can offer these services as a freelancer. all you need to do register on a freelancing website such as Freelancer or Upwork. Ensure to build a strong portfolio by including concise information about your skill. It also helps if you already have previous works to showcase on the platform.

READ ALSO: These 3 Lucrative Small Businesses Could Make You Billions + How to Start

3. Graphics Design

If you’re a creative and great at Photoshop, you’ve already got the skill needed to start a logo or graphic design business. You can list your services on sites such as Fiverr, 99Designs, or any of the other freelance platforms. This way, you can create a portfolio and start developing a client base.

Also, if you know there’s a creative inside of you but you simply haven’t received any relevant training then you opt for online courses in graphics design. These training usually last between 3 to 6 months after which you’ll be ready to start sourcing for clients. Some of the popular sites to get such training are Skillshare, Cousera, Lynda and Udemy.

4. Dropshipping

Dropshipping enables people to start an online company and sell goods to their customers without owning the items themselves. when a dropshipping store sells a product, the item sold is bought from a third party and delivered to the consumer directly.

Dropshipping gives small businesses a lower-risk solution to trying out new product innovations and product lines without having to purchase and pay for the product upfront. This is a business model that is encouraging a lot of people to become entrepreneurs.

You find a full guide to starting a dropshipping business here.

5. Mobile auto detailing

There’s a good number of people who own decent cars but roll around with litters on the backseat and floor mats. With a vacuum cleaner, some inexpensive bottles of automotive cleaning products, you can offer to come to anybody’s home or work and make the interior of their car look clean and organised. Professional stores charge up to $15 for this service.