Top 10 Profitable Businesses You Can Start in Africa with Less Than $200

Discover 10 profitable businesses to start in Africa with less than $200. From poultry farming to online sales, these low-investment ideas offer high returns.

Start a Profitable Business in Africa with Small Capital

Starting a business in Africa doesn’t always require huge capital. With as little as $200, you can launch a small but profitable venture that generates steady income and grows over time. Whether you’re a student, unemployed graduate, or looking for a side hustle, these low-cost business ideas in Africa can help you achieve financial independence.

Below are 10 profitable business ideas anyone can start with minimal investment, practical tools, and high profit potential.

1. Poultry Farming (Starter Batch)

Poultry farming remains one of the most profitable agricultural businesses in Africa. With just $100, you can start small and expand gradually.

How to start:

Buy 50 chicks and adequate feed.
Raise them for 6–8 weeks.
Sell to chop bars, households, and local markets.

Startup cost: Around $100
Profit margin: 30–50% per cycle
Bonus tip: Reuse the same poultry setup for multiple cycles to save costs.

Learn more about poultry business guides on YouTube.

2. Snacks Business (Plantain Chips, Puff-Puff, or Doughnuts)

Snacks are in high demand across schools, bus stations, and markets. You can easily start a snack business with $50–100.

How to start:

Make or source snacks locally.
Package them neatly for retail.
Distribute to shops, schools, or roadside vendors.

Bonus tip: Add branding and promote on social media for online sales.
You can use Canva (www.canva.com) to design your packaging and labels.

3. Laundry & Ironing Service

This is one of the most accessible businesses in urban and residential areas.

What you need:

Soap, iron, basin, and a drying line.
Offer pickup and delivery services in your neighborhood.

Startup cost: $40–80
Bonus tip: Focus on working-class areas and offer subscription packages.

4. Fish Farming with Tarpaulin Pond

You can start a mini fish farm with a tarpaulin pond, which is affordable and easy to maintain.

How to start:

Buy fingerlings and quality feed.
Build a tarpaulin tank.
Harvest after 4–6 months.

Startup cost: $150
Extra income: Sell smoked fish for higher profit margins.

Visit FAO Fisheries Guide for tips on sustainable fish farming.

5. Mobile Money & Airtime Vendor Table

The fintech boom in Africa has made mobile money (MoMo) business a daily cashflow opportunity.

How to start:

Get a table, umbrella, and MoMo SIM line.
Keep a cash float for transactions.
Sell additional items like snacks or stationery.

Startup cost: $100–200
Profit: Daily commissions and sales.

You can partner with Opay (www.opay.ng) or PalmPay (www.palmpay.com) for agent services.

6. Cold Drinks & Water Business

In hot regions, this small-scale business thrives with daily demand.

How to start:

Get a cooler, ice, and stock drinks.
Sell near schools, markets, or busy roads.
Reinvest profits to expand into a branded kiosk.

Startup cost: $50–80
Profit: Consistent daily cash income.

7. Egg Reselling

This is a simple but highly profitable business that requires low capital and has daily demand.

How to start:

Buy crates of eggs at wholesale prices.
Sell individually or to retail shops.

Startup cost: $50–100
Profit margin: Up to 100% on volume sales.
Bonus tip: Pair egg sales with bread or vegetables for extra profit.

8. Soap, Perfume, and Body Spray Sales

Homemade and locally branded body care products are increasingly popular.

How to start:

Source from local producers or wholesalers.
Market via WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram.
Offer doorstep delivery.

Startup cost: $50–100
Bonus tip: Create your own labels to stand out from competitors.

9. Phone Accessories Table

With rising smartphone use across Africa, selling accessories is a hot business.

What to sell:

Earphones, chargers, cases, and screen protectors.
Offer minor phone repair services for added income.

Startup cost: $150–200
Bonus tip: Partner with Jumia (www.jumia.com.ng) to buy products in bulk at low prices.

10. Second-Hand Clothes (Bend Down Boutique)

This is a timeless and high-profit business you can run both offline and online.

How to start:

Buy fairly-used clothes in bulk.
Wash, iron, and display neatly.
Market via Instagram and WhatsApp Status.

Startup cost: $80–150
Profit: High turnover and consistent daily sales.
Bonus tip: Create a niche for children’s or vintage wear.

Start Small, Grow Big

Starting a business in Africa with less than $200 is absolutely possible. The key is to start small, manage wisely, and reinvest profits. Many successful entrepreneurs began with simple setups like these and scaled over time.

Pick one of these business ideas today and take the first step toward financial freedom. You can learn free tutorials on YouTube or access more startup resources via SMEDAN.

Key Takeaway:
These business ideas are not just profitable—they are sustainable and scalable. With dedication, you can turn your small capital into a long-term enterprise.