The rapid growth of online side hustles is fueling a rise in fraudulent earning apps, with experts warning that scammers are targeting young Africans seeking quick and easy ways to make money online.
As smartphone use, internet access and artificial intelligence expand across Africa, legitimate opportunities in freelancing, content creation, affiliate marketing and influencer campaigns are also growing. However, fake platforms continue to lure users with promises of effortless income from simple online tasks.
Experts say legitimate platforms generally reward users for real value, such as creating content, completing surveys, conducting market research or performing freelance work. Earnings usually depend on skills, engagement, location, the amount of work done and agreements with clients or brands.
Technology experts warn users to research earning apps carefully before providing personal information or investing time or money. They advise against platforms that demand registration fees, upfront payments, excessive personal information or unrealistic commitments.
Analysts also caution that most genuine money-making apps provide supplementary income rather than quick riches. Platforms promising unusually high returns for minimal effort should therefore be treated with suspicion.
For Africans looking to build sustainable online income, experts recommend developing valuable digital skills and combining them with technology and AI tools. Freelancing, digital marketing, affiliate marketing, online education and content creation are among the areas seen as having stronger long-term potential.
The growing creator economy could provide significant employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for Africa's young population, but experts say users must distinguish genuine digital businesses from schemes designed to exploit the desire for quick money.
Tags
National News