In Africa, many young graduates leave university full of hope, only to face the harsh reality of job scarcity and low wages. While having a degree is valuable, it’s often not enough to stand out in today’s fast-paced, skills-driven world. To thrive, young people need practical skills that create value and generate income, even without waiting for a job.
Here are five important skills every African graduate should learn to make money, even before they leave school—and the best part is, you don’t need much capital to start!
1. Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is one of the most in-demand skills globally. With businesses increasingly moving online, knowing how to promote products and services using social media, search engines, and email campaigns is a valuable asset. If you learn how to market online, you can help local businesses reach more customers or start your own marketing agency.
How to Get Started:
• Learn the basics for free: Platforms like Google Digital Garage and HubSpot Academy offer free courses on digital marketing.
• Practice on real projects: Start small by offering your services to local businesses or friends for a small fee or even for free to gain experience.
• Utilize social media: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn are free tools you can use to showcase your skills and find clients.
How to Monetize It: Once you master the basics, you can start offering social media management, content creation, or email marketing services to businesses. You can earn by running ads for local businesses or by creating marketing strategies for startups, even from your home.
2. Graphic Design
Graphic design is a powerful skill that allows you to create logos, posters, flyers, social media posts, and much more. As companies focus more on branding, the demand for visually appealing content has skyrocketed. If you have an eye for design, you can turn this skill into a lucrative business.
How to Get Started:
• Learn design software: Free design tools like Canva are great for beginners, while more advanced software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator can be learned over time.
• Take online courses: YouTube and platforms like Udemy offer affordable tutorials to get you started.
• Build a portfolio: Create mock designs for fictional companies or volunteer for non-profits to showcase your abilities.
How to Monetize It: Once you build a portfolio, offer your services to small businesses, event organizers, or startups. You can also create and sell templates for social media or design products for clients all over the world using freelancing platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
3. Coding and Web Development
Every business needs an online presence, and this is where coding and web development come in. Learning how to build websites, develop apps, or manage databases is a skill that’s highly valued and can be monetized without the need for huge capital.
How to Get Started:
• Learn online: Free coding courses are available on platforms like Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, and Coursera.
• Start small: Begin by building websites for small businesses, friends, or local organizations to gain experience.
• Create a portfolio: Document the websites and apps you develop to show potential clients what you’re capable of.
How to Monetize It: Once you gain confidence, you can charge clients to build or manage websites, apps, or even e-commerce platforms. You can also offer maintenance services, which generate recurring income.
4. Video Editing and Content Creation
With the rise of YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, video content is king. Video editing is a skill in high demand, and if you learn how to create and edit videos, you can tap into a growing market of content creators and businesses needing professional content.
How to Get Started:
• Use free editing software: Tools like DaVinci Resolve or iMovie are great for beginners.
• Learn from tutorials: YouTube is filled with tutorials that teach everything from basic editing to advanced techniques.
• Practice by creating content: Start by editing videos for yourself or friends, or volunteer for local businesses.
How to Monetize It: You can offer video editing services to influencers, brands, or local businesses. Additionally, you can start your own YouTube channel, monetize your content through ads, or even sell editing templates and tutorials.
5. Sales and Negotiation Skills
Being good at sales isn’t just for people who want to work in retail or sales teams. Learning how to sell is about understanding people, negotiating well, and persuading them to take action. This skill is useful no matter what industry you’re in.
How to Get Started:
• Study sales techniques: Books like “Sell Like Crazy” by Sabri Suby or “The Psychology of Selling” by Brian Tracy offer great insights into mastering sales.
• Practice selling: Start by selling products online (try reselling products on social media) or offering freelance services where negotiation is key.
• Learn negotiation tactics: Build confidence by practicing your negotiation skills when buying or selling anything, from gadgets to services.
How to Monetize It: Sales skills can help you sell almost anything. Whether you’re promoting your services or working as a sales representative for businesses, having the ability to close deals and negotiate better contracts will earn you money.
Conclusion
The key to success in today’s world is not just about getting a degree—it’s about having the right skills to create value and solve real-world problems. Whether you’re into digital marketing, graphic design, coding, video editing, or sales, these skills can be learned online for free or with minimal investment. You don’t need huge capital to get started—just time, dedication, and the willingness to learn.
At Apam Inspires, we believe in empowering young Africans with the tools and skills they need to succeed. Start learning, practice, and create value today
Written by: Jonathan Apam
Founder, Apam Inspires