Small businesses are the driving force of economic growth in both developing and developed countries around the world. But factors like infrastructure, business climate and culture mean that desired business types vary from country to country.
A survey by ZenBusiness has found that the industries that most attract entrepreneurs vary from country to country and depend on various factors such as infrastructure, business climate, and culture.
According to the survey, Personal services are the most-searched-for small business type in 22.7% of African countries, the largest share of any continent. These include interior design in Mauritius, cooking gas refills in South Africa, and photography in Namibia.
Starting and growing new businesses is crucial to the health of any economy, and entrepreneurs across Africa are eager to take advantage of the opportunities available to them.
By focusing on the small business types that are most in demand in their respective countries, entrepreneurs can help to shape the path of economic growth in Africa.
Let’s look at the most popular small business ideas for African entrepreneurs to start:
1. Personal Services
Interior design in Mauritius, cooking gas refills in South Africa, and photography in Namibia are just a few of the personal services that are highly sought after in Africa.
2. Recycling
In Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, the Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, and Mali, searches related to starting a recycling business outnumber searches for any other business type. This trend may be due to the region’s growing waste problem, with 58% of young Africans dissatisfied with current recycling efforts.
3. Real Estate
Entrepreneurs in Ghana, Ethiopia, and Rwanda are interested in starting real estate businesses, reflecting a growing interest in property investment across the continent.
4. Clothing
Clothing businesses are popular in Tanzania and Mozambique, where entrepreneurs are looking to tap into the growing demand for affordable and stylish clothing.
5. Import/Export
In Egypt and Tunisia, entrepreneurs are focused on importing and exporting goods, indicating a desire to tap into international markets.
6. Construction
In DR Congo, entrepreneurs are looking to start construction businesses, reflecting a growing demand for infrastructure development across the country.
7. Point of Sale (POS)
In Nigeria, entrepreneurs are interested in starting point of sale (POS) businesses, reflecting a growing interest in technology-based businesses across the country.
8. Wholesale
In Uganda, entrepreneurs are interested in starting wholesale businesses, indicating a growing demand for access to goods and products across the country.
9. Cooking Gas Refill
In South Africa, cooking gas refill businesses are highly sought after, reflecting a growing need for alternative energy sources across the country.
10. Cleaning
In Senegal and Cote D’Ivoire, entrepreneurs are interested in starting cleaning businesses, reflecting a growing need for cleaning services in urban areas.
11. Freight
In Morocco, entrepreneurs are focused on starting freight businesses, indicating a desire to tap into the country’s growing logistics industry.
12. Software
In Libya, entrepreneurs are interested in starting software businesses, reflecting a growing interest in technology-based businesses across the country.
13. Jewelry
In Cape Verde, entrepreneurs are focused on starting jewelry businesses, indicating a growing interest in the country’s arts and crafts industry.
Source : Business Insider
