[Infographic]: Here are some Startup Ideas for African Entrepreneurs

Africa is gradually becoming a business hub for entrepreneurs over the globe. Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana have seen more startups spring up in multiple folds in recent years than in the past two decades.

In March 2021, Flutterwave, an online payment platform available in over 33 African countries, became Africa’s fourth startup to reach unicorn status after it reached a valuation of over $1bn.

While the ecosystem for startups in Africa is generally friendly, a new study by ZenBusiness suggests most entrepreneurs in Africa are leaning towards startups that provide solutions for personal services such as cooking gas refills, photography, interior design, delivery, etc.

Recycling and real estate businesses come second and third respectively in popular businesses African entrepreneurs want to start.

Here are some Startup Ideas for African Entrepreneurs, using the ZenBusiness survey;

1. Personal Services – This category tops the list with 22.7% interest. Interior design business in Mauritius, cooking gas refill in South Africa, and Photography in Namibia are examples of highly sought-after personal services in Africa.

2. Recycling – In Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, the Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and Mali, interest in starting recycling businesses is high. This may be due to the growing waste problem in the region.

3. Real Estate – In Ghana, Ethiopia, Rwanda, etc., entrepreneurs are interested in starting real estate businesses. This reflects growing interest in property investment businesses across these countries.

3. Clothing – Clothing businesses are popular in Tanzania and Mozambique due to the growing demand for affordable and stylish clothing.

4. Imports/Export – Entrepreneurs in Egypt and Tunisia are focused on importing and exporting goods. A desire to tap into international markets.

5. Construction – In DR Congo, entrepreneurs are looking to start construction businesses reflecting a growing demand for infrastructure development in the country.

6. Point of Sale (POS) – Nigerian entrepreneurs are interested in building Point of Sale (POS) businesses. This reflects the country’s immense growth in the Fintech industry.

7. Wholesale – A growing interest of entrepreneurs in Uganda wants to start the wholesale business as a result of the country’s demand for access to goods and products.

8. Cleaning – In Senegal and Cote D’Ivoire, entrepreneurs are interested in starting cleaning businesses. It reflects the growing interest in cleaning services across urban areas in the country.

9. Freight – Entrepreneurs in Morroco are interested in starting freight businesses reflecting the country’s growing logistics industry.

10. Software – In Libya, entrepreneurs are interested in starting software businesses indicating growth in the Technology space in the country.

11. Jewelry – Entrepreneurs in Cape Verde are interested in starting jewelry businesses due to the country’s growing arts and crafts industry.

Sources: Business Insider Africa / Zen Business/ Africa Business

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