5 Odd Business Ideas with Billion Dollar Potential in Africa

In the heart of Africa, where innovation is constantly on the rise, there are some business ideas that entrepreneurs daring to think beyond convention can venture into. These untapped territories, explore odd business ideas that hold the promise of not just profitability, but also profound impact.

Africa, with its diverse landscapes, unique challenges, and rapidly evolving market, has become a fertile ground for innovative thinking. These odd business ideas are reshaping the continent’s economic landscape. These are the usual run-of-the-mill ventures, these are odd business ideas in Africa with the potential to reach billion-dollar heights while addressing pressing issues that touch the lives of millions. Let’s take a look at some of these uncharted business ideas that are promising.

Insect farming for food and feed

Imagine farms where we raise insects like crickets and mealworms as our next meal’s source of protein. It may sound odd, but in Africa, it’s a smart business idea. Insects are eco-friendly and need very little to grow. By making big insect farms, we can produce food for people and food for animals.

Africa often faces food shortages, and animal feed can be expensive. Insect farming can help with both problems. Plus, it’s a unique way to earn money. In Africa, these odd farms could become big businesses, showing that sometimes, the weirdest ideas can turn into billion-dollar success stories.

Waste-to-Energy Plants

Africa grapples with a waste crisis fueled by population growth and urbanization. Most waste remains uncollected and contaminates the environment. Shockingly, nearly half of the world’s largest landfills are in sub-Saharan Africa. Amidst this challenge lies an odd but billion-dollar business idea, waste-to-energy plants. This established technology, widely embraced in Europe, can convert municipal solid waste into electricity. 

While Europe generates thousands of megawatts, sub-Saharan Africa has only one such plant. With 40% of the population lacking electricity access, waste-to-energy not only tackles waste problems but also powers homes. Recycling and recovery could inject billions into Africa’s economy. 

E-Waste Recycling

Africa’s digital revolution has left behind a growing mountain of electronic waste (e-waste). With the continent’s rapid tech adoption, old gadgets and electronics are piling up, posing environmental and health risks. In this unlikely yet lucrative venture lies another odd business idea for Africa, e-waste recycling.

Recovering valuable materials like metals and plastics from discarded electronics not only reduces pollution but also unlocks economic potential. With the right infrastructure, recycling centers can turn electronic trash into treasure, addressing environmental concerns while generating significant revenue.

Aluminum and copper scrap

Amidst the global surge in demand for metals like aluminum and copper, Africa is quietly transforming waste into wealth through scrap recycling. While the continent boasts substantial reserves of these ores, recycling offers a more cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative. A mere 5% of the energy required for mining and smelting raw ores is needed to recycle scrap aluminum and copper, making them cheaper and greener choices. 

The global market for aluminum scrap is poised to surpass $25 billion, while copper scrap has already reached $65 billion. Innovative African startups like Romco Metals are seizing this odd but profitable opportunity, elevating scrap recycling into an industry with a billion-dollar business idea.

Organic fertilizers

Africa faces mounting agricultural challenges, including declining food production per person, primarily due to soil infertility. Annually, the continent loses over $4 billion worth of soil nutrients, underscoring the pressing need for solutions. Fertilizer use in Africa lags significantly behind the global average, hindered by soaring import costs and environmental concerns associated with synthetic fertilizers. Amidst these challenges, organic fertilizers stand as an odd but promising business idea. Derived from locally available waste materials, organic fertilizers offer an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative. As global demand for sustainable farming practices rises, Africa’s budding market for organic fertilizers showcases the continent’s knack for innovative odd business ideas.