At some point in my career, I picked up freelance writing alongside my 9–5 job because I was short on cash, and my salary often didn’t stretch far enough. I quickly realized I wasn’t alone.
Across Nigeria and other African countries, thousands of professionals working full-time jobs are actively searching for side hustles to complement their 9–5 income. Rising living costs, currency fluctuations, and limited salary growth have made it almost necessary to earn extra income outside regular work hours.
I figured out you don’t need to quit your job while you can earn extra income, build new skills, and even create a path to financial freedom, all while keeping your 9–5.
In this article, we’ll explore ten profitable side hustles you can start alongside your full-time job in Nigeria and across Africa, many of which require little to no startup capital.
Ten Side Hustles to Complement Your 9–5 for More Money
These side hustle allows you to earn extra money after work hours, on weekends, or remotely, sometimes even in dollars. If you’re looking to pay off bills, save more, or build a second income stream, these are practical options you can start.
1. Freelance Content Writer
You can start freelance content writing. Identify a niche you’re knowledgeable in, such as tech, finance, health, lifestyle, or crypto, and create 2–3 writing samples. You can pitch to clients after your daily work.
How to start:
- Begin by choosing a niche you understand (tech, finance, lifestyle, health, or business).
- Write 2–3 sample articles and publish them on Medium or Substack.
- Create profiles on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, and start pitching businesses on LinkedIn
How much you can make:
Beginners earn $10–$30 per article, while experienced writers working with international clients can make $500–$2,000 per month part-time.
2. Become an Affiliate Marketer
Affiliate marketing involves promoting other people’s products and earning a commission for every sale made through your referral link. You can start by joining affiliate programs for fintech apps, e-commerce platforms, or digital tools, then promoting them on social media, WhatsApp, or a blog.
How to start
- Sign up for affiliate programs from fintech apps, e-commerce platforms, or SaaS tools.
- Get your unique referral links and promote them through Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp groups, or a simple blog.
- Focus on products you already use and trust.
How much you can make:
New affiliate marketers earn $50–$200 per month, while consistent marketers can scale to $1,000+ monthly.
3. Sell Digital Products
Digital products include e-books, templates, Notion planners, guides, or online courses. You can make money by identifying a problem you can solve, creating a simple product, and selling it using platforms like Selar or Gumroad.
How to start
- Identify a problem you can solve, such as budgeting, studying, productivity, or career growth.
- Create a digital product like an e-book, template, or guide, then sell it using platforms like Selar or Gumroad. Promote it on social media or email newsletters.
How much you can make:
Digital product sellers typically earn $100–$1,000 per month, with potential to scale beyond that since products are reusable.
4. Start a Dropshipping Business
Dropshipping allows you sell products online without holding stock; suppliers handle storage and delivery. You can start by setting up a simple store on Shopify or Instagram and sourcing products from suppliers.
How to start
- Choose a niche (fashion, gadgets, home items), then find reliable suppliers.
- Set up an online store or sell directly via Instagram and WhatsApp. You market the product, while the supplier handles delivery.
How much you can make:
Beginners earn $200–$800 monthly, while successful stores can generate $1,500+ per month.
5. Resell Used Goods
Reselling involves buying used items like phones, clothes, laptops, and furniture and selling them at a profit. You can source items locally and resell on WhatsApp, Facebook Marketplace, or Instagram.
How to start:
- Source used phones, laptops, clothes, or furniture from individuals or local markets.
- Clean, fix, or repackage them, then resell on Facebook Marketplace, WhatsApp, Instagram, or Jiji.
How much you can make:
Depending on volume, resellers earn $100–$600 per month, especially in high-demand categories.
6. Design and Sell T-Shirts
If you have design skills or use tools like Canva, you can create custom t-shirt designs after work and sell them online. Print-on-demand services handle printing and delivery, so you don’t need upfront inventory.
How to start
- Create simple designs using Canva or hire a designer.
- Partner with a print-on-demand service or local printer. Sell online via Instagram, WhatsApp, or an e-commerce store.
How much can you make:
Most beginners earn $100–$500 monthly, with higher earnings if a design gains traction.
7. Sell Your Photography
If you enjoy photography, you can take pictures on the weekend and sell your photos on stock platforms or offer event and brand services. Start by building a portfolio on your phone or camera, and share your work online.
How to start
- Build a small portfolio using your smartphone or camera.
- Upload photos to stock websites or offer services for events, brands, and content creators. Promote your work on social media.
How much can you make:
Stock photography earns $50–$300 monthly, while event photography can pay $100–$1,000 per job.
8. Create Handmade Goods
Handmade goods like candles, jewelry, soaps, and crafts are popular online. You can start small by creating samples, pricing them competitively, and selling through Instagram or supplying to local traders.
How to start:
- Decide on a product category, such as candles, soaps, jewelry, or crafts.
- Make samples, price them competitively, and sell via Instagram, WhatsApp, or local markets.
- Remember to work on your branding and packaging. It goes a long way.
How much you can make:
Handmade sellers often earn $100–$500 per month, with growth potential as demand increases.
9. Become an Online Tutor
Online tutoring allows you teach subjects like math, English, coding, or test prep. You can start by signing up on tutoring platforms or advertising your services on social media.
How to start
- Choose a subject you’re confident teaching: math, English, coding, or exam prep.
- Sign up on tutoring platforms or advertise directly on social media.
- Schedule sessions outside your work hours.
How much can you make:
Online tutors earn $10–$25 per hour, translating to $200–$800 monthly part-time.
10. Become a Ride-Hail Driver
Ride-hailing involves driving for platforms like InDrive, Uber, or Bolt during evenings or weekends. To start, you’ll need a suitable vehicle, valid documents, and app registration.
How to start
- Register on ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt.
- Ensure your vehicle meets requirements and drive during evenings or weekends to avoid work-hour conflicts.
How much you can make:
Drivers typically earn $300–$1,000 per month, depending on hours and location.
Conclusion
Building a side hustle alongside your 9–5 is one of the most practical ways to increase your income in today’s economy. You don’t need to quit your job or make a huge investment to get started, just a willingness to use your skills, time, and consistency wisely.
It’s also important to set up the right financial tools. If you plan to work with international clients or earn in foreign currency, you’ll need an Accrue Dollar Bank Account to receive payments easily and avoid unnecessary delays or losses.
The most important step is simply to begin. Choose one option that fits your schedule and interests, commit, and the extra income can evolve into a strong financial safety net or even a full-time opportunity if you choose to take it further.
I’ve lived many lives, but one lesson ties them all together: money is only as powerful as its utility. Through my work, I share stories about money and create guides for Africans who want to get the best out of theirs.