Africa is the second most populous continent with 54 countries, 1.2 billion people, and a rapidly growing economy. Freelancers are helping the growth of SMEs in Africa and small businesses are contributing to the growth of freelancing in Africa.
The number of small businesses that have opened up in Africa has increased by 40% over the last decade due to technological advancements. As more businesses and entrepreneurs spring up, more jobs will be created for freelance professionals in Africa.
There’s no doubt that freelancing is becoming increasingly popular and profitable among young African professionals who want to escape the 9-5 grind (especially in Nigeria). This is understandable. The freedom, flexibility, and financial rewards that come with freelancing mean you can work when you want, where you want, as much or as little as you want.
If you’re a newbie to freelancing or have been freelance for a while but need some advice, here are 10 things every freelancer should know (and do) if they want to build a successful freelance career:
Below are some of the things you should know as a freelancer in Africa:
Write down all the skills that you have and those that you will like to learn. Use this as your starting point when searching for income opportunities online. As you continue with your freelance services, you will gain more experience and develop even more skills. This will make it easier for you to find more projects and earn more online.
A lot of people worry about how they will finance or grow their business ideas when they do not have enough capital or funds. If you have been thinking about starting your own business but lack the funds, freelancing is a great way to get started. You can use it as a side gig while still working in your normal job or use it as a stepping stone towards bigger things in life.
Build an impressive profile on one or several freelancing platforms in Africa. The platform that you choose should match your goals so that you do not spend time on things that will not yield any results for you. Remember that time is everything for freelancers in Africa, so make sure that you use yours wisely by finding
In this post, I’ll be sharing some important things you should know as a freelancer in Africa.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Understand the local market and cultural nuances in Africa to effectively position yourself as a freelancer. |
| 2. Build a strong professional network within the African freelance community to access opportunities and collaborations. |
| 3. Stay updated with local regulations and legal requirements to ensure compliance and protect your freelance business. |
| 4. Embrace technology and leverage online platforms to showcase your skills, find clients, and expand your reach. |
| 5. Develop a diverse skill set that aligns with the needs of the African market to increase your competitiveness. |
| 6. Cultivate excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with clients from different cultural backgrounds. |
| 7. Prioritize building a solid reputation and delivering high-quality work to establish yourself as a trusted freelancer. |
| 8. Practice effective time management and organization to balance multiple projects and meet deadlines. |
| 9. Embrace continuous learning and professional development to stay relevant in a dynamic freelance landscape. |
| 10. Stay resilient and adaptable, as freelancing in Africa may come with unique challenges and opportunities. |
1. Network Like Crazy
It’s still a bit taboo to be a freelancer in Africa. Be aware that you’ll have to fight for every gig and prove your worth over and over again.
Many clients will not take you seriously because of your age, gender, location, or race. Go into every meeting with your game face on and don’t let them get away with it.
Be prepared to network like crazy to build up your client base. Work on building a solid online presence and attend as many events as possible.
I know it’s hard, but don’t work for free or on spec. I’ve done it so many times before, but now I try to avoid it at all costs because it sets a bad precedent and only devalues what you’re worth.
Don’t be afraid of the word any or being turned down by people. You’ll hear it all the time, but don’t let it get to you or discourage you from doing what you love. Keep going until someone says yes!
Building a successful freelance career while maintaining a full-time job is challenging yet rewarding. Check out our article on 6 Reasons to Be a Freelancer in Addition to Having a Full-Time Job to discover why freelancing can be a great option for career growth and flexibility.
2. Know When To Say No
As a freelancer, learning how to say no is one of the most important skills you can develop. Some clients make you feel like their needs are more important than yours and they want you to drop everything and work for them. If you consistently do this, you’ll end up setting yourself back or losing money.
Before making any commitments, understand what the client wants from you. Ask for a clear description of their problem and how you can help them solve it. You can then decide whether or not you have the time or resources to help them.
If you don’t have the time or resources, politely decline and recommend someone else who might be able to help them. This way, you’re not wasting your time and energy on something that won’t help your business in the long run. However, if you think it will be beneficial to your freelance business, then go ahead and take on the job!
3. Don’t Forget Your Health
As a freelancer, there’s a great chance that you don’t have health insurance and won’t get any sick days. If you do have health insurance, it’s probably only enough to cover catastrophic medical expenses.
Health insurance is a major expense for self-employed people and something that many small business owners, including freelancers, just can’t afford.
A good way to take care of your health is to buy a health insurance policy. Visit any insurance nearby you for more information about buying an affordable health insurance plan.
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4. Save Your Money
Freelancers are the ones who have a lot of freedom to do whatever they want to do with their lives, or at least that’s what most people think. But it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. I wanted to share some of my experiences as a freelancer in Africa, to help newbies avoid some of the mistakes I’ve made along the way.
As a freelancer in Africa, you may find yourself in situations you never thought you’d be in, whether it’s having to deal with clients who don’t appreciate your work or not getting paid for a project you put your heart and soul into. If that wasn’t enough, you also get to live in a country where money doesn’t grow on trees — so saving up becomes essential if you don’t want to end up on the streets.
5. Pay Taxes
You need to know about legal requirements for doing business in your country and your clients’ countries. In Nigeria, for example, you have to register as an independent contractor to be able to invoice companies and get paid. You also need a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from the National Tax Authority (NTA).
In South Africa, you need to register as a provisional taxpayer and register for value-added tax (VAT) if your turnover is more than R1 million per year. If you earn income from abroad, you need an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) so that the foreign company can pay you directly into your bank account.
6. Keep Learning
The first few months will be hard, so be prepared for this phase. Don’t give up just because there isn’t much work coming your way in the beginning. Keep learning about freelancing and marketing yourself so that you can stand out from the crowd of other freelancers.
7. Make Time For Family And Friends
The freelance life is tough, especially in Africa. You will be working from home and this can be a challenge to your relationships.
You’ll have to come up with ways to manage your time so that you don’t neglect friends and family.
You can create a schedule for yourself to help you keep track of your work and to let your family know when you are available.
You don’t have to be on the phone or in the same room as them, but let them know that you’re available at certain times of the day. For example, Mondays between 4 pm and 6 pm.
This way they’ll know they can call or visit during those times and not feel ignored when they need you.
Freelancing offers incredible freedom and flexibility, but it’s important to be aware of the potential pitfalls. Learn about the 10 reasons why people end up losing money freelancing and safeguard your financial stability while pursuing your freelance career.
8. Eat Healthy Snacks At Your Desk
We all know the feeling of being overwhelmed by work, reaching for the junk food, and then regretting it later.
However, eating healthy snacks at your desk can increase productivity.
Of course, you should avoid eating at your desk to prevent unhealthy habits and to keep a work-life balance. But if you must eat at your desk, try eating snacks that will fuel you up instead of crashing you down.
A lot of people like to snack on cheese or mixes that include cheese crackers. But there are plenty of other healthy snacks that can be just as filling.
Generation Z brings a fresh perspective and valuable skills to the freelance business landscape. Explore the 13 reasons why Generation Z is perfect for your freelance business and discover how tapping into the talents of this generation can drive success and innovation in your freelancing endeavors.
9. Invest In Yourself With The Right Tools
If you are in the habit of wanting to do everything on your own and save a few bucks, chances are you will be losing a lot of money in the long run. All successful entrepreneurs know that there is a cost to doing business and one of them is investing in the right tools.
Marketing tools, for instance, can help you grow your business without having to spend much on costly adverts or hiring additional staff to help with the workload. There are numerous applications and software out there that can take care of all your marketing needs such as MailChimp, Facebook Ads Manager, Google Analytics, etc.
If you want to increase your productivity and efficiency, then invest in the right tools.
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10. Stay Connected
Freelancing is all about staying connected with your clients. Sometimes they will be busy or simply not respond to your messages when they should, so it’s important for you to be proactive about following up with them, whether through email or phone. This way, you won’t lose out on potential jobs.
Takeaway
I hope that some of these 10 points will encourage you to do more freelancing and help you to avoid some mistakes. Freelancing is not easy but it can be very rewarding and fun when done right. One of the things that I have observed is that many people lack good knowledge on starting or running a freelancing business in Africa which makes it difficult for them to get started.
The most important thing is to plan your work and work your plan, sometimes you won’t be aware of how things can go wrong until they do, so anticipate things and be ready for them in advance.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to further explore the topic of freelancing in Africa:
8 Tips on How to Be a Successful Freelancer in Africa: This article provides practical tips and insights to help freelancers thrive in the African market.
Everything You Should Know About Freelance Writing: Dive into the world of freelance writing and gain a comprehensive understanding of this creative and lucrative field.
Top 10 Important Tips for Freelancers in 2021: Stay up-to-date with the latest tips and trends in freelancing with this helpful article offering valuable advice for freelancers in Africa.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about freelancing:
What are the benefits of freelancing in Africa?
Freelancing in Africa offers numerous benefits, including the flexibility to work on your own terms, the potential to earn a higher income, and the opportunity to showcase your skills on a global scale.
How can I find freelance opportunities in Africa?
To find freelance opportunities in Africa, you can join online platforms and marketplaces that connect freelancers with clients, network with professionals in your industry, and promote your services through social media and online portfolios.
How do I set freelance rates that are fair and competitive?
Setting freelance rates requires considering factors such as your level of expertise, the complexity of the project, and the market demand for your services. Research industry standards, evaluate your expenses, and determine your desired income to set rates that are both fair and competitive.
How can I manage my finances as a freelancer?
Managing finances as a freelancer involves keeping track of income and expenses, budgeting effectively, setting aside funds for taxes and emergencies, and considering options for retirement savings. Utilizing accounting software or hiring an accountant can also help streamline financial management.
What are some strategies for maintaining work-life balance as a freelancer?
Maintaining work-life balance as a freelancer requires setting boundaries, scheduling dedicated time for personal activities, prioritizing self-care, and learning to manage your workload effectively. It’s crucial to establish a healthy balance between work and personal life to avoid burnout and maintain overall well-being.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.