Freelancing in Africa is a possibility

Freelancing is simply getting things done for someone else at a fee. Depending on where you live, you may be rightly positioned to do the work even in the eyes of the customer or you may be restricted in some areas yet it is possible to earn some money from wherever you are in Africa. In this post I will focus on the basic resources you need to get started. I address the restrictions that one may face in Africa in the page ‘Start Here!’

Resources that will get you started are the following:

1. Internet connection – Just the connection is good enough. If you can manage to download a file, upload it, access your emails with your internet, then you are good to go. Don’t worry about the connectivity stability, for as long as it can allow you access. When you communicate with your employer on the internet emails and chats are the mostly used forms and they require as minimal data connection as that of a flashing torch.
2. Gadgets that complement each other – If you have a smartphone you can get started but you also need a laptop. A desktop would do but it has mobility limitations. The smartphone should be connected maximum time possible. Just about any form of smartphone can do. It is useful for giving you notifications as soon as they drop into your mailbox. You can communicate with the seller using the smartphone and then move on to the laptop/desktop if there is a need.
3. Tools for the trade – Tools can either be hardware, software or a hybrid of the two. It is critical for you have the tools ready before you market yourself as a freelancer that offers a service that will need them. For example, if you will be offering voice over services, you need the right software and a good microphone. You will need software to record, edit and export your work into a user specific requirement format. Most often than not, the customer is interested in the end product and not necessarily the brands and types of software you use. Some assignments will be specific on the levels of quality you must produce and in such cases, it is important to come out clear on your capabilities. Don’t be afraid to tell the customer your options such as borrowing a friend’s laptop that has the capacity and then the time it will take for you confirm on the arrangement.
4. Payment option(s) – Most often than not, your customer will not deposit your money straight into your local bank account. You need to set up an online platform that will collect your money and then you can deal with the transfers into your local bank later. The good news though is that most platforms accept the widely used payment options such as PayPal and Payoneer. This will cost you nothing at all, you just have to register.

The above listed resources are likely to already be at your disposal. You don’t have to replace what you already have but test it to see if it meet the requirements, which in most cases it will, and the position yourself to start offering the service.