If you want to start a new business in South Africa, you have many options. Among them are Work at home, Manufacturing, E-commerce, and Social media. All of these opportunities can generate a good income for you and your family. Depending on your expertise, you can even create your own products or services.
Work from home
You can earn money working from home in many different ways. For instance, if you have skills in graphic design, you could offer to design brochures and websites for small businesses. You can also set up your own freelance vendor profile in various online job marketplaces. In addition, farming is one of the most common sources of income in South Africa, and you can sell your produce to local markets. Another work from home business idea in South Africa is housing construction. You could start a cement block making business or a stabilized earth bricks making unit.
Freelance work is a profitable business option. The most important factor to succeed in freelance work in South Africa is an extensive knowledge of a specific area. This is necessary because it enables you to earn more money with your knowledge. Another good option for selling your services is through social networking websites. Create a good proposal and content to attract customers, and use hashtags to promote your business. Alternatively, you can set up an online store and sell your goods. Be sure to define payment methods and shipping methods.
Social media
If you want to become a social media influencer, you can make a good income by working with brands and creating advertising and sponsored content. Some of the most innovative digital platforms in South Africa are started by women. For example, Mathebe Molise founded BeautyonTApp to make buying beauty products online easier. Another successful female-founded digital platform is SweepSouth, which offers regular house cleaning services to households across the African continent.
The use of social media is growing in popularity in South Africa. Many big brands are using the site to interact with their clients and promote their products and services. It also helps them promote events, press releases, and awards. Moreover, the platform makes it possible for brands to reach their target audience easily.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing is a business idea that can prove profitable if done well. In South Africa, the infrastructure and technology are advanced. As a result, manufacturing business ideas are more accessible. Although some manufacturing business ideas require a significant capital investment, others can be done on a small budget.
One way to overcome the risks of manufacturing in South Africa is to understand the demands of the market. Most retailers do not pay their suppliers upfront. Some wait up to 90 days to pay manufacturers. For instance, east African supermarket chain Nakumatt takes as long as 270 days to pay suppliers. It is therefore essential to allocate a certain amount of money for working capital. It is also important to know your customers and their operations.
E-commerce
As the number of people using the internet continues to grow, there are more opportunities for South Africans to start an online business and earn an income. Many are choosing to go the route of their dreams and turn small business ideas into realities. You can become one of them! You can start an online shop that sells a variety of handmade products or a handmade craft.
Despite a rapidly growing online market in South Africa, the continent still faces significant challenges in developing an e-commerce ecosystem. Among these barriers are poor infrastructure, low consumer digital trust, and limited delivery logistics. In addition, internet prices are very high and only a quarter of the population has regular access to the Internet. Therefore, a plan to provide affordable internet access to all citizens by 2020 is essential. This could increase domestic e-commerce and encourage entrepreneurship across the continent.
Drones
Drones are a relatively new technology, but they have already started to make an impact in a number of sectors. For example, a South African company called Aerobotics uses drones to help farmers and ranchers manage their farms. It uses artificial intelligence to detect irrigation system leaks, count individual plants, test drainage, and more. The company has 11 employees and has already signed a term sheet for its first round of funding.
Drones can help entrepreneurs reach rural areas and deliver goods and services without having to hire a large workforce or incur hefty transportation costs. Drones could also be used to provide services to remote areas, where roads are poor and services are unavailable.
Solar energy
As the demand for electricity increases, more people are turning to renewable energy solutions. Although traditional methods of electricity generation are not without their disadvantages, solar energy is a reliable, affordable and versatile alternative. South African businesses can reduce their electricity bills by installing solar power systems and enjoy the tax benefits that come with them.
Solartech, for instance, is a renewable energy company that was founded in 2006 by passionate professionals. It sells solar power on a prepaid basis. It plans to expand its business by partnering with property developers to install decentralized solar power systems in new residential developments. Solar-powered power systems can be purchased in bundles that include everything from a solar panel to charging cables.
