Вы находитесь на странице: 1из 17

SiliconAfrica

About us

Contact Us

Become a Contributor

Donate

Type some ke

100 ideas to Start a Profitable


Business in Africa
By: Mawuna Remarque KOUTONIN
Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012 at 7:46 pm.

From today, we are starting a series of posts focused on


ideas to start a profitable business in Africa . We will present them segment by segment. Here are
10 ideas to start a business targeting expatriates in your country.
Overall, our purpose is to simulate your mind, and encourage you to start your next business in
Africa.
1. International Aid and investment segment opportunities
The international aid for Africa is a $40-billion-a-year industry. Most of this, is easy money to
take, mostly for corruption and overpaid expatriates; however smart startups would be wise to
explore the needs of this huge international organizations full of the laziest people in the planet
always in search of someone to do their job for them or make their life easier. Here is a list of 10
ideas to create customized services or application for their use:

#1: Personal Service provider for local expatriate


More and more foreign people are heading to Africa, the last frontier of economical opportunities.
Additional to the foreign aid employees, there are also more and more expatriates coming to
Africa with the $48 billion-a-year foreign investment in Africa Business.
In some cities like Nairobi, Luanda, Dakar, Accra, Addis-Ababa these expatriates are thousands.
They are rich, noisy, visible. They have very specific needs compared to local people.
Any smart company that would successfully create a set of services (travel, visas, registration,
residency status, dual nationality questions, legal issues of marriage and divorce, visa runs) for
this community in any given country, could easily expand the same concierge service to other
countries. There is lot of money here waiting for smart and opportunist entrepreneurs.
#2 First-world quality Internet, mobile services or application customized for
local environment
These guys have money. They are used to some first-world internet and mobile service they wont
have locally. Its important to study their daily life in your city, survey them about their needs, and
find out about things that might be very helpful for them to survive in Africa jungle. They will
thank with their easily earned dollars and smiles.
#3 Food delivery for infrastructure/construction workers
Its the easiest and quickest way to become rich. Design a mobile food service specialized in
construction sites. You move your restaurant to serve breakfast, lunch, snacks, sandwich and
casual drink close to the workers. You move and follow the sites. You are the first to know all new
construction sites where will be hundreds of workers and expatriates. Deliver good food, cheap,
and fast with a friendly touch.
There are hundreds of construction sites in many countries, financed by foreign aid or
investment.
#4 Online expat forums
There are many expatriates forums online, but very little cover African countries, with ground
information and assistance.
This forum could started with very little effort in connection with local expatriates. You might first
start by creating a local association for expats in your city/country with social gatherings and
activities, then move on to have an online version focused on providing useful and relevant
information.
2 girls and one guy could start this on their free time, and finally make it a profitable business
with add-ons services.
One advise: focus your forum on one country, yours.
#5 Controlled origin vegetables and meat delivery service
Most of the vegetables, and meat in the local market in big cities in Africa are not trusted by
expatriates.

There is a huge opportunity in putting in place a good logistic to identify and deliver to urban
market a controlled origin food that these expatriated population can trust. They are ready to pay
10 times local prices.
#6 Create a full-service job agency
One of the biggest issue you have when you start a business in Africa is how to find good
employees, with required competencies, work ethics and good health.
Most of the international organizations, corporations in Africa spend countless hours on their
hiring process, but to find out that they have failed to hire the right people. Employees turnover is
huge.
There are very few professional head hunters, and very few job agencies with specialized skills.
This is one of the best opportunity to pursue at this present time in Africa.
#7 Field Data collection & statistics
Independent projects monitoring and postmortem data collection is one of the fields where
international organizations in Africa needs help. They need this data for their report and spend
huge amount of money for that.
Currently this job is done by hiring huge consulting firm in London, which in turn subcontract to
some small consulting firms in Europe which organize data collection teams on the ground. The
teams are disband at the end of each project.
A local company which will specialize in field data collection will fill the gap for the international
organizations, but also be a good service provider for local government which in most case doesnt
have any reliable statistics institute.
These kind of company could be started by a group sociologists and statisticians with the support
of a networks of niche experts.
#8 Local investment opportunities / banking services
Africa is currently perceived as a new land of opportunity by the whole world. Old colonial powers
and Chinese are in fight to have access to the emerging opportunities. Expatriates living in Africa
are now better off investing their money in African banks or companies stocks than into their
failing banks and economies. That create a huge opportunity for investment advisers and personal
finance planners to create tools and services for this community.
This opportunity could be explored as a confidential investment newsletter, investment boutique,
index fund or index tracker agency.
#9 Procurement services for international projects
This is a huge opportunity for young business administration graduates who have deep passion
for international commerce, procurement, and have the discipline to manage large scale logistic
projects.
Many African countries still lack reliable and large scale Procurement outsourcing services
providers in front a huge and growing demand either by local entrepreneurs, and administration
or by international organizations.
#10 Expat newspapers, magazine, Classified

Expatriates communities classified paper and online magazine is a profitable niche business to
explore in big African cities where there are thousands of expats.
It could be done as an extension to a large circulation magazine or an independent endeavor
Thats all for today. During the next days, this series on Business opportunities in Africa will continue to
cover the following areas:
2. e-government or mobile-government
How to empower African administration to server their citizen with internet and mobile
technology. Youll receive 10 ideas to start a business in this segment.
3. Physical Security and data encryption and protection
Security is a huge issue in many African countries. Opportunities for business are endless here:
from physical security to helping African governments protect their data from hackers and spies,
Youll receive 10 ideas to start a business in this segment.
4. Servers farms for local e-commerce
Currently most of African websites are hosted in Europe or United States. As the continent
Internet and mobile applications usage grows, there will be a huge need for reliable servers farms
and hosting companies in Africa. Youll receive 10 ideas to start a business in this segment.
5. E-libraries and affordable e-books readers for students
Africa will by-pass the area of huge physical libraries and go directly to digital libraries where
students and citizens could access millions of books and materials through tablets. This digital
revolution is a huge opportunities for education in Africa, but will need smart entrepreneurs to
negotiate the deals, clear the patch of adoption and build the necessary platforms that will
support that revolution. Youll receive 10 ideas to start a business in this segment.
6. Housing
Africa is young and buoyant, but has a huge housing problem in all its urban areas. Government
and private investors in this area will need the support of edgy and ambitious entrepreneurs.
Youll receive 10 ideas to start a business in this segment.
7. IP and patents protection
As the African economy will continue to grow, business will start slowly caring about their brand
and IP (Intellectual Properties) protection and will need companies to help them in doing the
ground work of monitoring, identifying breaches and taking actions.
Young lawyers in search of business opportunities will receive 10 ideas to start a business in this
segment.
8. Review & Rating
Trust is important in any economy, and for new and growing capitalist economies like in Africa,
good and independent Review and rating agencies and services providers will be well positioned
to take on this lucrative market. Youll receive 10 ideas to start a business in this segment.
9. Energy and Transportation

Everything in this segment is to be done. From the smallest village to the biggest cities, Africa
needs the most courageous, the most pragmatic, and the most compassionate entrepreneurs to
succeed here. Youll receive 10 ideas to start a business in this segment.
10. e-commerce
E-commerce in Africa is only in its very early stages, however there are lot of opportunities to
seize. A good positioning, and a well rounded branding and customers service will help any well
funded startup in this segment to make fortunes. Youll also receive 10 ideas to start a business in
this segment.

Tweet

Related Posts

Africa: Your Business Should be Profitable in 45 days or Die

The Best Ideas, Resources and Interviews for Doing Business in Africa 2013

The Hidden Trap That is Killing The African Internet Entrepreneurs

Doing Business in Africa: World Bank Report 2012

Why Cant We Vote By SMS? Interview with Al Kags, author of Living Memories

About Mawuna Remarque KOUTONIN


Mawuna Koutonin is a world peace activist who relentlessly works to empower people to express
their full potential and pursue their dreams, regardless of their background. He is the Editior of
SiliconAfrica.com, Founder of Goodbuzz.net, and Social activist for Africa Renaissance.
Koutonins ultimate dream is to open a world-class human potential development school in Africa
in 2017. If you are interested in learning more about this venture or Koutonins other projects,
you can reach him directly by emailing at linkcrafter@gmail.com

Mail |

Web |

More Posts

Tags: business opportunities in africa, Doing Business in Africa, idea for business in africa, investment
opportunities in africa

48 Responses to 100 ideas to Start a Profitable


Business in Africa
1.

Daniel December 16, 2012


thanks for the post. when are you releasing the remaining ideas.
Reply

Mawuna Remarque KOUTONIN December 17, 2012

yes I promised those articles


be done in 2013

Lot of hot ideas to come. the articles will

Reply

2.

oramandate December 30, 2012


the list and the info contained in it is really wonderful.keep up the good work bro.
Reply

3.

Louis January 6, 2013


Great ideas. Can you support implementation? I am particularly interested in the IT based
ideas
Reply

Mawuna Remarque KOUTONIN January 7, 2013

Let me know what kind of support do you need. write me an email here:
mk@linkcrafter.com
Reply

4.

Sunil January 14, 2013


Great article Mawuna! Im looking forward to you releasing the remaining lists. Im from
the states but would like to learn more about the final frontier and the many opportunities
awaiting.
Reply

5.

antonia January 28, 2013


Thank u, great info. Do u think a blog will work?
Reply

Mawuna Remarque KOUTONIN January 28, 2013

Yes. there is still lot of opportunities in media business in Africa. You just need to
chose your niche carefully.
Let me know if you need more feedback on your ideas.
Reply

Mawuna Remarque KOUTONIN February 7, 2013

Sure. SiliconAfrica is a blog. Its based on Wordpress. We have just customized to


suit our need.
Let me know if you need help to get started.
Reply

6.

Jude Lumala February 22, 2013


Thanks for this information buddy.
Reply

7.

Jude Lumala February 22, 2013


Thanks for this information buddy.
Reply

8.

Jude Lumala February 22, 2013

Thanks for this information buddy.


Reply

9.

Joseph Semindu March 9, 2013


yes
Reply

10.

JKD March 15, 2013


Great ideas. I am much interested in the #1,#3,#5 ideas.I cant wait to read the rest. Africa
need great minds and men like you, Keep it up. I will send you an email to seek for
business advice and learning more about your ventures and other projects. Thanks
Reply

11.

Rafiek Saib April 8, 2013


Thank you for a tremendous site,with plenty of insight!
I really am amazed with the range of opportunities to entrepreneurs offered to work with.
Keep up the good work!
Regards,
Rafiek
Reply

12.

Rafiek Saib April 8, 2013


Thank you for a tremendous site,with plenty of insight!
I really am amazed with the range of opportunities to entrepreneurs offered to work with.
Keep up the good work!
Regards,
Rafiek
Reply

13.

Honelegne Dessalegne May 27, 2013


I love it !
Reply

14.

Pat E June 22, 2013

Very interesting! Great article with lots of insights that really give you accurate report with
facts! Well done Mawuna and thank you!
Reply

15.

abdulnasir July 26, 2013


really great ideas thank you very much
Reply

16.

Asiwome August 5, 2013


Thanks a lot for the post. any ideas on how farming will work better? especially goat
farming!
Reply

17.

jama August 9, 2013


Thank you for the articl and great insight. when are you releasing the remaining ideas
Reply

18.

myron yoder August 10, 2013


I am from the usa am especially interested in #6 houseing doing it with renewable
energy.Already doing it in the states would be a great fit for the african housing.Just
wondering about the market.are there any buyers.
Reply

Ms Precious December 2, 2015

there are,, esp in zimbabwe. you just need to know how to go about itgated
communities is a gold mine,, we only have one
Reply

19.

Sid August 16, 2013


If know of people who have or plan to start a business in Africa or in the U.S. Make sure
they register their business with Blackbuying.com. We specialize in promoting your
business to people who want to do business with you.

Reply

20.

Dan Mashoto October 31, 2013


Great vision manuwa open a school in africa
Reply

21.

Dan Mashoto November 26, 2013


Najmul Hassan, i run a small business based on selling building material like cement,
steel, painting colors i need an advice on how to improve sales.
Reply

22.

emmanuel February 14, 2014


I am from Tanzania am especially interested in #6 housing idea,#8 Local investment
opportunities / banking services and 2. e-government or mobile-government .Already
doing it in the states would be a great fit for the African Specifically Tanzania.Also
housing have a huge market.are there any one to invest in these area?.
Reply

George Selestine October 26, 2015

I am from Tanzania, I am interested in doing microfinance activities especially in


Tanzania, but I lack experience. I would be interested if you will be able to share
experience with me.
Thanks
Reply

23.

richard May 29, 2014


am in bread making business,any one to join me?
Reply

Sckarah February 17, 2015

Lets talk about housing idea. Email me at t.s.mothatego@gmail.com


Reply

24.

Michal June 21, 2014


I am from Poland, willing to invest about 10.000 USD.
I am interested with International aid, full service job agency, servers farms, housing

(building), and energy and transportation. Please let me know ASAP on mail
Reply

Sckarah February 17, 2015

My reply above was directed to you Michal.


Lets talk about housing idea. Email me at t.s.mothatego@gmail.com
Reply

Naomi Mzimwa October 1, 2015

If you are still interested in what you said let me know. looking to start a business.
Reply

Bino December 7, 2015

Lets talk via email Michal.


bchinyenge24@gmail.com
Reply

25.

Malik Slyg July 7, 2014


Thanks for the big work u do on your website. But all your ideas are focused on expatriate
clients. If i go back to my country, i dont ask for special services or special food, i was
there before i left, so why shoud it be a different threatment for me. Just a thought.
Reply

26.

Abraham Moshe July 21, 2014


Hello Mawuna Remarque

I live in Addis Ababa,Ethiopia.I am really captured by your transformational latest


thinking-tapping ones potential specially in Africa has a paramount significance for the
overall development.
Please give me your green light to be your friend.
if you come across any sort of hand in Ethiopia,I am there for you
I wish you could send me your 100 business ideas Article vial my email
Kind regards
Reply

27.

David August 25, 2014


Power/energy, construction are the leading sectors in which to invest in in Africa:
http://www.constructionreviewonline.com
Reply

28.

KINITO VAN DUNEM November 9, 2014


Thank you for info Start more universities
Regards
Kinito Van Dunem
Reply

29.

Philip Muoki Nzangi November 13, 2014


Hello Sir honestly this has opened up my mindset on so many things and i hope to
participate in any of the ventures listed and grow myself and the African society at large.
Reply

30.

Francis Rodrick December 12, 2014


Dan Mashoto I am writing to you on Facebook
Reply

31.

Ftwi Abraha December 16, 2014


It is a great opportunity for most Africans ,
I'm very great full to see such broad

Opportunities this will open for Yong Africa's.


Thank you God bless.
Reply

32.

Oge January 15, 2015


opportunities are everywhere ..thanks bro for this great piece
Reply

33.

Amanda R January 30, 2015


If you have a brilliant business idea you must read this.
The moment a startup embraces innovative technology, sustainability or societal change,
the chance of it being recognized is increased manifold. African entrepreneurs are
renowned for their resilience and ability to innovate and thrive in the face of adversity.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) believes that ideas
are critical for change, and Africas aspiring entrepreneurs are charged to come with ideas
that can transform the continent. TEEP operates on the premise that entrepreneurship
and business skills are teachable and learnable and has pledged $100 million to support
10,000 aspiring African entrepreneurs and startups with innovative and transformative
ideas over the next decade, by
providing them with training, mentoring, networking opportunities and much needed
seed capital funding.
YOUR IDEA CAN TRANSFORM AFRICA. To know more and register for TEEP visit
http://bit.ly/1EqMxUX
Reply

34.

Gabriel Paye January 31, 2015


Great insights and ideas. Its time for me to stop making poor excuses and create the life
that I really want to live. There is no time left for over-preparation.
Reply

35.

ya February 20, 2015


very nice blog, suggestions, keep it up.
Reply

36.

Roy Maloney April 1, 2015

Muli bwanji Mawuna, I believe we met at North holiday inn in Mzuzu at breakfast. Great
to read these pages as I am wanting to start a business in Mzuzu in September 2015, I
have a few ideas, keep up the good work, mulungu akudalitseni, Roy M. (UK)
Reply

37.

Bino December 7, 2015


Contact me @ this email. bchinyenge24@gmail.com
Reply

Leave a Reply
Name (required)

Email (will not be published) (required)

Website

Comment

XHTML: You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym
title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i>
<q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>
Submit Comment

232

7a6628f66f

2
ohc=

1449574048

Version: 4.1.5

= twelve

Yes, add me to your mailing list.

1449735482779

REKLAMA
New Articles by Email
Email *

Subscribe!

save

subscribers

Latest News

Why Can't We Vote By SMS? Interview with Al Kags,


author of Living Memories

A Secret of the Catholic Church

The Prototyper Mind: How Successful Entrepreneur Think

One illusion at a time

Two Bad People

The Best Political Articles - 2013

Why Have We Launched The 4Afrika Initiative: Interview


with Fernando de Sousa, General Manager of Microsoft
Africa Initiatives

From Africa, The first mobile based "Cow Calendar" in the


World

We Need You to Lead Us

A Year in Review at Meltwater Incubator in Accra Ghana

YOU CAN WIN


PUBLICITY

About us

Contact Us

Become a Contributor

Donate
2012-2015 All rights reserved.

Вам также может понравиться