Side Hustles? Nowadays, a lot of people in Ghana think that starting a business is impossible without funding. However, not all business ventures require initial funding. Even if you’re a student, recent graduate without a job, or a salary worker in need of additional income, you can create a small source of income from scratch in 2025 if you have access to mobile phones, the internet, and free tools.
This article lists five tried-and-true side businesses that are suited to Ghanaian and West African local conditions and that you can launch with little to no money.
1. WhatsApp Reselling (a.k.a. Drop-shipping Without a Website)
What It Is:
You promote other people’s products (clothes, shoes, cosmetics, phones, food) on WhatsApp or Facebook and only place an order when a customer pays you.
Why It Works:
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No inventory needed
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You can start with just your phone
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Thousands of suppliers exist in Accra, Kumasi, or online stores like Jiji or Tonaton
How to Start:
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Join WhatsApp groups for suppliers (search “Accra Suppliers”, “Lagos Dropship” etc.)
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Take screenshots of items, post daily on your status
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Add a small profit (₵20–₵100 per item)
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Use mobile money for transactions
Income Potential:
₵300–₵1000 per week, depending on volume and niche.
2. Freelance Writing or Typing Jobs (Online and Offline)
What It Is:
You offer writing, typing, data entry, or resume services to people online or in your local area.
Why It Works:
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High demand among university students, SMEs, and online entrepreneurs
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No startup money required, just your skills
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Ghanaians abroad often need remote writers familiar with local topics
How to Start:
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Create a basic CV and free samples
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Promote on Facebook groups, Twitter, or WhatsApp
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Sign up on Fiverr, Upwork, Jobberman, or AfricaWorks
Tools Needed:
A smartphone or computer with internet. Use Google Docs, Grammarly (free), and Canva.
Income Potential:
₵50–₵500 per job. Many earn ₵1000+ monthly once they build clients.
3. Mobile Money Agent (Using Someone Else’s SIM)
What It Is:
You operate as a momo agent under another person’s license or SIM card until you can register your own.
Why It Works:
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You earn commissions from every cash-in and cash-out
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It’s easy to learn and needs no formal education
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Everyone in Ghana uses momo!
How to Start:
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Partner with someone who already has a license
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Set up a small table and umbrella at a busy junction
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Use your own smartphone or borrowed momo phone
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Make profit from transaction charges (MTN, Vodafone, AirtelTigo)
Startup Tip:
Agree on a profit-sharing plan or salary with the SIM owner.
Income Potential:
₵20–₵80 daily, more if located in a busy area.
4. Social Media Management for Local Businesses
What It Is:
You manage the Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok pages of small businesses — posting content, replying to comments, and promoting their products.
Why It Works:
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Most small shops, fashion brands, and salons don’t know how to market online
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You can help them reach more customers and charge a monthly fee
How to Start:
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Offer to manage a page for free for 1 week to show results
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Use Canva to design simple graphics
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Schedule posts using Facebook Business Suite
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Track page growth and engagement
Clients to Target:
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Tailors, salons, food vendors, real estate agents, local boutiques
Income Potential:
₵150–₵500 per business per month. With just 5 clients, you could make ₵2000+ monthly.
5. Teaching & Private Tutorials (Online or In-Person)
What It Is:
If you’re good in any subject — math, English, science, ICT, or even music — you can teach students for a fee.
Why It Works:
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Parents are always looking for extra help for their children
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No teaching license required for private tutoring
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You can do it after school or work
How to Start:
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Offer trial lessons for free
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Promote through churches, WhatsApp groups, or local schools
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Use Zoom or Google Meet if you want to teach online
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For kids in your area, teach them at home or in your compound
Income Potential:
₵20–₵60 per session. Even 3 students per week = ₵240–₵720 monthly.
Bonus Ideas (If You Have Just GHS 20–50)
If you can find even small capital, consider:
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Buying pure water in bulk and selling it chilled
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Phone charging business in off-grid areas (use solar)
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Selling airtime or mobile data via momo
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Printing/copying services for students using a second-hand printer
These micro-hustles grow fast and can be scaled with profits.
What to Expect When Starting From Zero
| Challenge | How to Overcome |
|---|---|
| Lack of support | Join entrepreneur groups, seek mentors |
| No money for tools | Use free apps: Canva, Grammarly, WhatsApp |
| Low customer trust | Offer first job free or money-back |
| Competition | Focus on better service, not low price |
No Excuses in 2025
Even if you don’t have any money, now is the best time to start something. In 2025, all you need to get started is information, your phone, and a desire to learn. Nowadays, a lot of prosperous Ghanaian businesspeople began with nothing more than a talent or connection.
Begin modestly. Maintain consistency. Make use of free tools.
One day, your side project might turn into your main source of income.
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