Life in Africa’s bustling cities is rewarding but expensive. Salaries often stretch thin when faced with rent, transport, family needs, and inflation. The solution? Weekend side hustles—a smart way to make extra income without leaving your stable 9–5 job.
In this article, we’ll break down 10 practical weekend side hustles you can do on weekends, complete with examples that fit African realities. From Nairobi to Lagos, Kampala to Johannesburg, these ideas are tried, tested, and profitable.
Why Weekend Side Hustles Make Sense
Side hustles are booming across Africa because they offer flexibility and financial breathing room. With only 5–10 hours a week, you can test new business ideas in Africa, generate extra income, and even build something sustainable.
👉 Related: Check out our guide on Profitable Side Hustles You Can Start in Nairobi With Less Than Ksh 5,000.
1. Freelance Writing (Including Academic & Essay Writing)
Freelance writing has become one of the most popular ways for Africans to earn money online. Businesses, blogs, and NGOs need quality content, but one overlooked area is academic and essay writing, which is in huge demand among students worldwide.
- Academic/Essay writing: This involves helping students with essays, research papers, and assignments. Platforms like Essay WP Themes provide tools and templates to set up your own academic writing business.
- Content writing: African writers are highly sought after on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr because of their affordability and fluency in English.
Earnings: Skilled academic writers can earn $200–$1,000+ per month working only on weekends, depending on deadlines and workload.
2. Tutoring and Online Coaching
Education is deeply valued across Africa, and weekend tutoring is in high demand. Whether it’s teaching math, languages, coding, or even soft skills like public speaking, professionals can monetize their expertise.
How to do it:
- Offer one-on-one sessions at home or virtually via Zoom.
- Conduct weekend group classes in your neighborhood.
- Record lessons and sell them on platforms like Teachable.
Example: In Nairobi, a weekend math tutor charging Ksh 1,000 per session can comfortably earn Ksh 8,000–10,000 each weekend. Over a month, that’s nearly half a salary top-up for many professionals.
3. Photography and Videography
Photography is one of the most friendly weekend side hustles in Africa. Weddings, birthdays, and church functions happen mostly on Saturdays and Sundays. But there’s also another growing trend: freelance photographers making money in public parks.
- In Nairobi, photographers flock to Uhuru Park or along highways on Sundays to take professional photos for couples, families, and friends. Many charge between Ksh 100–300 per printed copy.
- With smartphones improving, even beginners can start with mobile photography before upgrading to DSLR cameras.
| Startup Needs | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| DSLR Camera | Ksh 60,000 – 150,000 |
| Printing equipment | Ksh 30,000 – 70,000 |
| Marketing & transport | Ksh 2,000 – 5,000 |
Earnings: A busy Sunday can bring in Ksh 5,000–15,000 in cash from on-the-spot shoots.
4. Ride-Hailing, Delivery & Errand Services
Many urban Africans now rely on weekend convenience services. Beyond Uber and Bolt, there’s a growing demand for errand running—shopping, deliveries, and personal assistance.
Examples in Nairobi:
- Running errands at Gikomba Market to buy clothes or household items for clients.
- Grocery shopping and home delivery for busy families.
- Short-term transport for weddings, graduations, and church functions.
Platforms like Glovo and Jumia Food cover part of this, but independent “personal errand services” are growing fast and often pay in cash.
5. Agribusiness Micro-Projects
Agriculture remains Africa’s backbone, and small-scale agribusiness can be run as a weekend side hustles. Weekend projects don’t need acres of land; even a backyard or rooftop garden can generate income.
Ideas to start with:
- Kienyeji poultry farming: Start with 10–20 chickens and sell eggs or meat.
- Rabbit farming: Requires little space and feeds a niche market.
- Vegetable gardens: Sukuma wiki, spinach, and tomatoes sell quickly in estates.
👉 Related: Read our Poultry Farming Business Plan in Kenya for a step-by-step guide.
Earnings: Depending on scale, small weekend farmers make Ksh 5,000–20,000 monthly with consistent sales
6. Event Planning and Catering
Africa’s weekends are full of celebrations—weddings, baby showers, birthdays, and funerals. Event planning and catering are therefore highly lucrative.
How to start:
- Offer decoration services for children’s birthdays.
- Specialize in small-scale catering (20–50 guests) from your home kitchen.
- Partner with suppliers for tents, chairs, and décor to offer packages.
Many professionals start out their event planning weekend side hustles by helping friends and slowly transition into paid gigs through referrals. With just two small events a month, side income can easily exceed Ksh 20,000
7. Blogging and YouTube Content Creation
If you’re passionate about a subject, blogging or vlogging can build long-term income. With the rise of social media and the ability to earn on Tiktok, Africans are increasingly consuming local digital content, which creates opportunities for creators.
Steps:
- Pick a niche—finance, lifestyle, food, or travel.
- Start a WordPress blog or YouTube channel.
- Monetize through ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsorships.
👉 Related: Check out our article on How to Start Freelancing in Africa.
It takes time, but consistent creators often earn through Google AdSense and brand partnerships after 6–12 months.
8. Weekend Retail & Mitumba Selling
One of the most accessible weekend side hustles is selling mitumba (second-hand clothes). Many professionals use evenings or weekends to buy stock and resell.
Popular strategies include:
- Buying bales from Gikomba or Toi Market and reselling individual pieces.
- Selling in your neighborhood in the evenings.
- Leveraging TikTok Live sales, where sellers showcase clothes and customers buy instantly via M-Pesa.
👉 Related: Read our full Mitumba Clothes Business Guide.
With a Ksh 20,000 bale, it’s possible to double or triple your money within weeks.
9. Fitness Training and Dance Classes
If you’re into fitness, weekends offer a perfect chance to monetize your skills. Many working-class Africans prefer exercising on Saturdays or Sundays.
Ideas to try:
- Group aerobics/Zumba classes in estates or public parks.
- Dance classes (Afrobeat, salsa, or traditional styles).
- Personal training sessions for clients at gyms or their homes.
This hustle keeps you fit while providing income. Trainers typically charge Ksh 500–1,500 per session, with groups offering higher returns.
10. Arts, Crafts & DIY Products
Instead of digital services, another one of the most practical weekend side hustles is making and selling crafts. Africans are increasingly buying locally made products such as:
- Handmade jewelry or beaded accessories.
- Home décor items like wall art or mats.
- DIY skincare products (shea butter mixes, soaps).
Selling can be done through craft fairs, social media, or even office colleagues. What starts as a passion project can grow into a recognized brand.
Comparing Weekend Side Hustles at a Glance
| Side Hustle | Startup Cost | Earning Potential (Monthly) | Time Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freelance Writing (Academic) | Very low (Ksh 0–5,000) | Ksh 20,000–80,000+ | Flexible (online) |
| Tutoring/Coaching | Low (Ksh 0–10,000) | Ksh 8,000–40,000 | 5–10 hrs |
| Photography/Videography | Medium (Ksh 60,000+) | Ksh 20,000–100,000+ | 10+ hrs |
| Errands/Delivery | Medium (Ksh 5,000–20,000) | Ksh 15,000–50,000 | 5–15 hrs |
| Mitumba Selling | Medium (Ksh 15,000–30,000) | Ksh 20,000–60,000+ | Flexible |
What’s the easiest side hustle to start in Africa?
Freelance writing and mitumba selling are easiest because they require little capital and can be started immediately.
Which weekend side hustle pays the most?
Photography and event planning often bring in higher earnings per weekend, especially during peak seasons.
How do I balance a side hustle with a full-time job?
Choose something flexible, limit it to weekends, and focus on what aligns with your skills and interests.
How do I market my weekend hustle?
Use WhatsApp groups, Facebook Marketplace, TikTok Live, and referrals from friends and family.
Conclusion
Weekend side hustles are not just extra cash—they’re stepping stones to financial independence. From essay writing and mitumba selling to photography at Uhuru Park and errand services at Gikomba, Africa is full of practical ways to make money outside the 9–5 grind.
👉 Ready to begin? Explore our detailed guides on side hustles in Africa and business plans to take the first step toward building a sustainable second income.
