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Some years ago buying shares of US companies would have seemed almost impossible or even if possible, daunting. However, online trading platforms have made things such as buying shares in US companies easier than they used to be.. This article will help you understand how shares work and the process of buying shares in US companies like Facebook, Amazon, etc.

What Are Shares and How Do They Work?

Shares, also known as stocks or equities, represent ownership in a company. When you purchase a company’s shares, you’re essentially buying a part of that company relative to how much you buy. As a shareholder, you stand to benefit either by dividends or by selling your shares for a profit.

Shares are bought and sold on the stock market, and for US companies, this typically happens on exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Although these exchanges are based in the US, Nigerian investors can access them through online brokerage platforms, making it possible to buy shares from anywhere in the world.

Steps to Buy Shares in Some US Companies

Investing in US companies from Nigeria can be done in several ways. Here’s how;

1. Choose an Online Brokerage Platform

The first step in buying shares of US companies is to select a reliable online brokerage platform that allows Nigerian investors to trade US stocks. There are many platforms available such as e Toro, TD Ameritrade, Bamboo and others. They provide access to a range of US-listed companies, including Meta, Coca-Cola, Apple, and others.

2. Open a Trading Account

Once you’ve chosen a trading platform, you will need to open a trading account and provide personal details like your name, age, email, etc. Some platforms will also require proof of identity (such as your international passport or driver’s license) and proof of address (utility bill) to comply with regulations. After completing this process, you can move forward.

3. Fund Your Account

After setting up your account, you’ll need to fund it to start buying shares. Most online platforms accept a variety of funding methods, including bank transfers, debit/credit cards, and PayPal. Nigerian investors may need to fund their accounts using USD or NGN, depending on the platform’s supported currencies. Be aware of any fees associated with funding your account, especially if you’re transferring funds internationally.

4. Search for the US Companies You Want to Invest In

With your account funded, you can start searching for the stocks you want to buy. Each US company has a unique ticker symbol (a short code used to identify it on the stock exchange). For example, Facebook (Meta) is listed under the ticker symbol “META” and Coca-Cola is “KO.” Simply search for these ticker symbols on the platform, and you’ll see the company’s stock performance, current price, and other relevant details to help you make an informed decision.

5. Place Your Order

Once you’ve selected the stock, you can place your order. You typically have two order options which are the Market and Limit Order. The Market Order allows you to buy the stock at its current market price and the Limit Order lets you set a specific price at which you’re willing to buy the stock. 

Once your order is placed successfully, you’ll officially own shares in the company.

Conclusion

Online brokerage platforms have made it easy to buy shares in US companies. By choosing a platform, opening an account, funding it, selecting your shares, and placing orders, you can easily invest in world-leading companies like Meta, Coca-Cola, and Apple. However, be careful to research thoroughly and invest wisely

Gone are when only the working class had the monopoly to make money. Now students can leverage their skills to make money online. Being a student can be a lot of work due to the myriad of assignments and classes needed to complete a program. However, the internet has made it easier for students to work and earn without leaving their study dorm or even messing up their study schedule.

We have compiled 10 practical ways in which students can generate income online. Keep reading to learn more.

10 Practical Ways to Generate Income Online

1.  Take Online Surveys

One easy way to make money online as a student is to take online surveys. Taking online surveys has little to no requirements to start. Each survey typically takes minutes and you will be informed of the time each survey takes. Some popular survey sites include Swagbucks and Survey Junkie.

2. Virtual Assistance

There are many organizations and entrepreneurs looking to lessen their workload or outsource administrative tasks. These types of roles do not usually require many qualifications aside from basic reasoning and entry-level computer skills. You can also work flexible hours as a virtual assistant and get paid as agreed.

3. Social Media Management

As a student, if you already have social media skills, you can help businesses manage their social media account. If you manage your personal social media account, you already know how to use social media so you can help businesses or organizations manage their accounts and respond to messages. 

4. Writing or Editing

If you have good writing skills, freelance writing is a great way for you to make money online as a student. Your field of study may be a good way to niche down on your writing services. For instance, if you’re studying computer science in school, you can write content on computers and IT. If your field of study is marketing, you can offer to write marketing content or even copies. Editing is also a good skill to make money online as a student, especially if you are into a language course or you just have a knack for it.

5. Affiliate Marketing

This applies to you if you have an online presence where you dish out content to people. You can promote digital products and services on your website with your unique referral link. Each time anyone buys a listed product through your link, you earn a commission. This is a great way you make money easily since you already have an audience who trusts you and would readily buy what you endorse and promote.

6. Content Creation

As a student, you can decide to start a YouTube channel to talk about your journey and life as a student or anything that interests you. If you also have a great sense of humour or love to dance, you can make videos on TikTok and Instagram. This may, however, take some patience and consistency to grow your following. Once you have a good following and audience, you can get brand sponsorships and make ad revenue.

7. Tutoring or Teaching

With the increase in online learning, you can earn some extra cash teaching or tutoring online. Sites like Tutor.com and Wyzant connect tutors with students who need some extra help in some subjects from arts to sciences.

8. Photography

If you take great pictures as a student, you can sell some of your work on platforms like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock. You don’t need a high-end camera to start. You can do this if you take good pictures with your phone. It can also serve as passive income as it can continue to generate income after posting your work on the platforms.

9. Social Media Influencing

If you are very outspoken and don’t mind being in front of the camera, you can make money influencing social media. You can just record your daily life routine and make it engaging or share some of your personal experiences in a retable way. Once you have an audience that can relate to your content, you are not a social media influencer and businesses will pay you to use and incorporate their products in your videos for a fee.

10. Marketing

If you know how to convince people to buy products online, you can start marketing for businesses. You can use your social media platforms to market products and get paid for your services.

Conclusion

You don’t have to stay broke because you are studying if you have some extra time to spare on your hands. These are some of the ways you can earn money even while studying.

As Africa’s young population booms, more people look for ways to earn money online. If you are looking for money earning sites where you can do some work to earn online income we compiled this list for you.

Earning money has grown from just traditional office hours to flexible hours on the Internet. This has opened loads of opportunities to people across continents, especially Africans. Whether you’re looking for a full-time income, a side hustle, or just a way to make extra cash, you can find numerous opportunities on the money-making websites compiled in this article.

There are several trusted online money making websites all over the world. However as an African not all of those are open for you to use.

So the challenge for most people is how do you, as an African, find websites and applications where you can earn money online as a side hustle.

We looked at hundreds of possible trusted money earning websites to see which ones you can use to earn money online.

From freelance work to selling products, there are various platforms for Africans to tap into. In this article, we’ll explore 15 money making websites and applications that Africans can use to start earning money today.

Money Making Websites and Applications that Africans Can Use to Earn Money

1. Upwork

Upwork is one of the largest and most popular freelance platforms with different job categories including but not limited to writing, design, programming, and marketing. Africans with specialized skills can create profiles based on their skills and bid on jobs that match their expertise. Upwork allows you to set your rates and work with clients from anywhere in the world.

2. Fiverr

Fiverr is a freelance platform which focuses on offering services starting at $5. Africans can offer various services such as graphic design, writing, translation, or even more unique gigs like voiceovers or video editing by listing their services and all the perks that come with it. Fiverr is a great platform for beginners to build their portfolios and attract clients.

3. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a popular rewards program where you can earn points by completing surveys, watching videos, playing games, and shopping online. You can redeem your points for gift cards or PayPal. Swagbucks is available in some African countries, making it a fun and easy way to earn small amounts of money on the side.

4. Teachable

This is another money-making platform for entrepreneurs, educators or creators to create and sell learning products such as online courses. You can also create a complete suite of learning products to sell. There are over 32 million students registered on the platform so you have a wide market to make some sales on the platform. Another way to make money on Teachable is by offering one-on-one coaching sessions for students who need extra help.

5. TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit connects freelance labour with local demands. It matches individuals with people who need help with everyday tasks like cleaning, assembling furniture, or moving. While TaskRabbit is more popular in certain countries, it’s available in some African cities, providing an opportunity for people to earn money by offering practical services.

6. Skillshare

If you have a talent for teaching or creating online courses, Skillshare is a great platform to consider. Courses are mostly on creative works with little focus on businesses and entrepreneurship which are only available to people based on paid subscriptions. You earn royalties when people enrol in your classes.

7. 99Designs

99Designs is a freelance company for designers. It aims to connect graphic designers with those who need their services. If you can design logos and even websites, 99Design is a platform you should check to make some earnings. 

8. Toptal

Toptal is another money-making platform that Africans can leverage to earn money. If you are a marketing expert, financial expert, designer, software designer, project manager and product manager. Top companies check out Toptal to hire talents for top projects.

9. Guru

This is another freelance marketplace for Africans to earn more income. Guru allows companies to find freelancers for commissioned work. Previously known as eMonnlighter.com, Guru lets employers post jobs and allow freelancers to bid for the jobs at their rates. Employers and hired freelancers will form an agreement on payment and submission timeline.

10. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is a website where you can take surveys and get paid for sharing your opinions. While you won’t make a fortune, it’s a good way to earn extra cash in your free time. It’s available to Africans in many countries, and once you accumulate enough points, you can redeem them for PayPal cash or gift cards.

11. ySense

You can earn from paid online surveys and quick tasks as an African on ySense. YSense has multiple earning options and is not limited to surveys. You can join an online global community and even win cash offers. 

12. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing allows you to publish your books or e-books and sell them on the Kindle store. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or a how-to guide, you can earn money from every book sold. So this is a great platform for you if you are a writer or an author.

13. Shutterstock

Shutterstock is a leading global platform for licensing high-quality stock images, videos, music, and editorial content, offering creative resources to businesses, marketers, and designers. You can upload your work on Shutterstock and earn commissions. It can also help you generate passive income as your work can still be bought after it has been uploaded.

14. Jumia

Jumia is a prominent online shopping platform in Africa, offering a wide range of products, including electronics, fashion, groceries, and more, with services like fast delivery and secure payment options. You can earn more money by listing your products on Jumia.

15. Clickworker

You can make money online on Clickworker by training AI models as a data labeller or annotator. Clickworker makes work available for annotators for a fee per job annotated. Freelancers will need to do test(s) before they are qualified to start working on projects.

Conclusion

The internet provides many opportunities for Africans to earn money from various online platforms. The money making platforms listed above can be used for different skills, interests, and goals, allowing you to earn money on your terms. With dedication and the right approach, you can leverage these platforms to boost your income and explore new financial opportunities.

 

Who is Obi Cubana? 

Obinna ‘Tochukwu’ Iyiegbu is a Nigerian businessman, entrepreneur, and investor, often associated with the real estate sector. He is popularly known as Obi Cubana, a nickname that had gained significant recognition in recent years, particularly due to his lavish lifestyle and high-profile social events.

Early Life and Education

Obinna was born on the 12th of April 1945 in Anambra State. He is from Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. He is married to Ebele Iyiegbu and they have five sons.

His early schooling was at Central Primary School before attending Dennis memorial Grammar school for his secondary education. He then proceeded to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science in 1998. He was conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology(ESUT) on the 26th of November, 2022. 

Networth

Obi Cubana is recognized as one of Nigeria’s wealthiest and most influential figures in the social/entertainment scene, excelling in entertainment, event promotion, and entrepreneurship. His net worth is estimated at $96 million(N67 billion), encompassing his income, properties, and assets.

List of Cubana Group businesses and establishments

Iyiegbu is the Chairman/Founder of the Cubana Group. His career as an entrepreneur started in 2006 when he founded a nightclub called Ibiza Club in Abuja. In 2009, he established a hospitality club called Cubana in Owerri, Imo State.

Other establishments under the Cubana Group include:

  • Casa Cubana, Abuja
  • Opium By Cubana, Owerri
  • Montana By Cubana, Lagos
  • The Grind by Cubana, Lagos
  • Pablo by Cubana, Lagos
  • Cubana Signature, Abuja
  • Puzzo by Cubana, Abuja
  • Caledonian Suites, Abuja
  • Crave by Cubana, Abuja
  • Hustle and Bustle, Abuja
  • Grand Cubana Hotels, Abuja
  • Cubana Gustavo, Enugu
  • Ibiza Nightclub, Abuja
  • Casa Cubana, Abuja

Lifestyle

One of the most notable aspects of Obi Cubana’s lifestyle is his penchant for hosting extravagant celebrations. His mother’s funeral in 2021, which became a widely discussed event, showcased his ability to host opulent gatherings. The funeral featured a star-studded guest list, including celebrities, business moguls, and politicians, with luxurious displays of wealth that captured the attention of both Nigerians and international media. Such events have cemented Obi Cubana’s reputation as a man who knows how to celebrate in style.

Despite his love for a good party, Obi Cubana also demonstrates a commitment to philanthropy. He regularly engages in charitable endeavors, supporting causes that benefit his community and those in need. His generosity adds a layer of depth to his public persona, showing that he is not a symbol of wealth but also someone who gives back.

Awards

Obi Cubana has won several awards, some of which are:

  • Ghana-Nigeria Achievers Award 2017 as Inspiring Personality Awards, 2017
  • Africa Canada Invest Summit Award, 2022
  • Democracy Entrepreneur of the Year at the Democracy Heroes Awards in 2018
  • Special Leadership Awards from Rightville School, 2017
  • Young Entrepreneur of the year, 2016
  • Northern Nigeria Peace Summit/Awards 2017 as Northern Nigeria Peace Builder of the Year, 2017

Conclusion   

In conclusion, Obi Cubana’s lifestyle embodied the fusion of entrepreneurship, luxury, and social influence. Through his successful business ventures, extravagant events, and strategic investments, he had become a symbol of wealth and achievement in Nigeria.

Introduction

The rise of remote work has revolutionized the way people approach their careers, offering more flexibility and opportunities for those with the right skill set. With industries continuing to embrace digital transformation, the demand for specific online skills has surged. If you’re looking to break into the remote job market, here are 18 in-demand skills that will enable you to thrive, along with tips in how to learn them.

Skills that are in Demand for Remote Jobs

Digital Marketing

Digital marketing encompasses a bunch of methods and techniques for the online promotion of products and services such as content marketing, search engine optimization, email marketing, and paid advertisements. Companies of all sizes are seeking expert digital marketers to help them in navigating the digital landscape.

How to Learn: Free courses by Google Digital Garage, Coursera, HubSpot Academy, etc. The truth is that learning is equally balanced by practice-actually trying things out; for example, creating your own blog of doing small scale campaigns for local businesses will give you learning-by-doing experience.

Cloud Computing

As more businesses migrate to the cloud, cloud computing had become one of the major skills. Professionals who are familiar with the management or cloud infrastructure, services, and security are in demand by many.

How to Learn: Certification by providers such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud has made learning resources available. Other than these, Udemy and Pluralsight have cloud courses.

Graphic Design

Graphics design would refer to visual contents created for websites, social media, advertising, or anything digital. A very creative yet flexible form of skill applicable in many industries.

How to Learn: Most of the software provided by Adobe, like Photoshop and Illustrator, can be used in tandem with online tutorial courses and also using platforms like Skillshare and Canva to provide their courses from beginner to advanced levels.

Social Media Marketing

It is all about communicating to the customers in social marketing including the social media brands. For example; Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter are all popular sites where company experts benefit from growing brand awareness and engagement.

How to Learn: Take courses taught by Hootsuite Academy, LinkedIn Learning, or Google’s online marketing platform to teach how to create and manage a social media campaign.

Data Science

Data science is a way of extracting knowledge from huge amounts of data, which helps in making decisions in business. Nowadays, most businesses make use of data-driven strategies, hence the increasing demands of data scientists.

How To Learn: Websites such as Coursera, edX, and DataCamp offer courses in Python, R, machine learning, as well as courses on data visualization. Familiarity with tools like Excel, SQL and Tableau is also very important.

UI/UX Design

User Interface and User Experience design are about making the most effective and beneficial digital products available to their users. With the significant rise in user satisfaction gaining importance, organizations need to hire ‘designers’ to optimize their softwares and websites.

How to Learn: Websites like Interaction Design Foundation and Coursera provide courses that teach you the basic interactive design principles that you will need to work with tools like Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD in practical design applications.

Content Marketing

Content marketing is creating relevant and useful content to attract and engage specific audiences.It is a critical part of building brand loyalty and making sales in online sales.

How to Learn: HubSpot Academy and CopyBlogger have free material in content creation and strategy. Develop a portfolio by writing blogs, articles and newsletters.

WordPress Development

WordPress is the worlds most popular content management system(CMS), and expertise in WordPress development is essential for building websites and blogs.

How to Learn: Learn to build websites using WordPress through online platforms like WPBeginner, LinkedIn Learning, and freeCodeCamp. Understanding HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript is also important.

SEO(Search Engine Optimization)

SEO is crucial for helping websites rank higher on search engines like Google. SEO experts used various techniques to increase organic traffic through content optimization and link-building strategies.

How to Learn: Moz, SEMrush, and Google offer tutorials and certifications programs in SEO. Practice by optimizing your own website or blog to gain practical experience.

Web Design and Development

Web design and development involve creating and maintaining websites. While design focuses on aesthetics and user experience, development focuses on the functionality and coding.

How to Learn: Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, and Udemy offer comprehensive courses in HTML, css, JavaScript, and web development frameworks like React or Angular.

Video Editing

Video content is one of the most effective ways to engage online audiences. As businesses increasingly leverage video marketing, skilled video editors are highly sought after.

How to Learn: Learn video editing using tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve. YouTube tutorials and courses in platforms like Skillshare can reach you the basics.

Data Analysis/Analytics

Data analysis involves interpreting data to make informed decisions, often using tools like Excel, R, and Python. Companies across industries are looking for analysts to help them interpret large data sets.

How to Learn: Courses on platforms like Coursera and Udemy can teach data analysis and statistical methods. It is also important to read related articles on websites like Remote4Africa for more knowledge. Familiarity with SQL and Excel will enhance your prospects.

Mobile App Development

With the proliferation of smartphones, mobile app development is a rapidly growing field. Developers create applications for IOS and Android, offering services, games and tools for users.

How to Learn: Learn mobile app development by mastering programming languages like Swift(IOS) or Kotlin(Android). Platforms like Audacity, Coursera, and freeCodeCamp provide excellent resources for beginners.

Copywriting

Copywriting involves creating compelling content to persuade the audience to take action, such as buying a product or subscribing to a service. Its a valuable skill in marketing, advertising, and communications.

How to Learn: CopyBlogger and AWAI(American Writers and Artists Inc.) offer courses for beginners and advanced writers. You can also practices by writing landing pages, emails, and advertisements.

Product Design 

Product design is about creating functional, aesthetically pleasing products. Designers work closely with engineers to ensure that products meet both user needs and business goals.

How to Learn: Learn products design principles through platforms like Coursera, Skillshare, or IDEO U. Practice using design tools like Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD.

Technology Sales

Technology sales professionals sell software, hardware, or other tech products. In a remote world, tech sales experts help businesses find the right products to meet their needs.

How to Learn: Sales training courses from HubSpot Academy or Salesforce can teach you about CRM systems, prospecting, and sales techniques. Gaining knowledge of tech products is key.

Cybersecurity

With the increase in cyber threats, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand. This field involves protecting networks, systems, and data from unauthorized access or attacks.

How to Learn: Platforms like Cybrary and CompTIA offer certifications and courses in cybersecurity. Practical experience in network Management and ethical hacking is also beneficial.

Artificial Intelligence(AI) and Machine Learning(ML)

AI and ML are revolutionizing industries but automating tasks and enabling smarter systems. Professionals with expertise in these areas are highly sought after to build intelligent systems.

How to Learn: Take online courses in platforms like Coursera, edX, and Audacity. Python and R are essential programming languages for AI and ML, and platforms like TensorFlow provide frameworks for development.

Conclusion

The remote job market is bringing with opportunities for those with the right skills. Whether you’re interested in creative fields like graphics design or copywriting or more technical areas like cloud computing or data science, there’s a skill for everyone. The key is to stay current, continually learn, and practice your craft. By mastering one or more of these in-demand skills, you will be well equipped to land a rewarding remote job and thrive in the ever evolving digital landscape.

What is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a referral marketing approach where an individual or a brand earns a commission by promoting a product or service made by another retailer or business using an affiliate link. Affiliate marketing offers an incredible opportunity to earn passive income without needing upfront capital. It is unlike a conventional business that entails big investments in products, inventory, or services. Instead, you only refer to other peoples products and garner a commission on sales through your reference points towards the products purchased.

How Big is the Affiliate Marketing Industry

Affiliate marketing has grown quite fast in the last decade and is now a multi-billion dollar global market. In 2023, the industry was valued at approximately $17 billion in the United States alone, with projections to reach about $24 billion by 2025. Globally, the affiliate marketing industry is expected to surpass $50 billion as more businesses adopt affiliate programs to promote their products and services, hence the increase in the overall market value due to the need for digital marketing, a shift away from traditional advertising methods, and the evolution of e-commerce. 

In addition to direct sales, affiliate marketing also benefits from trends like influencer marketing, content creation, and social media, with affiliates being the key facilitators of consumer buying decisions. Nowadays affiliates span different sectors, ranging from sectors like retail, tech, finance, health and wellness, and education.

Can You Start Affiliate Marketing with No Money?

Yes, you can. You can gain and grow your target audience on free social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc, and promote your affiliate products without any upfront costs.

7 Tips to Start Affiliate Marketing with No Money

Choose a Niche

A niche is the base on which you will build your affiliate marketing. This can also be easily captured as the topic of your passion and that has an audience really interested in it. You can work on whatever you would like-from health and wellness to technology or travel. That narrow focus on one topic would do much better than broadway topics in attracting that audience. Your niche will help you stand out and cater for people scraping that particular information or solution. 

Create a Website

Website or blog is the need of the hour in terms of affiliate marketing. Sure it sounds a tad bit expensive, but start with free website builders like WordPress.com, Wix, or Blogger. A website allows you to put your affiliate links, reviews, and any content build value around it. Then you can upgrade it to a self-hosted site as you grow.

Join Affiliate Programs

The next thing to do after building your website is to join affiliate programs. There are many programs that allow you to earn with their commission as you add products or services to your list and, as such, become a member for free. Some are very popular, like:

  • Amazon Associates: Because of the many ranges of products it is great for novice users. 
  • ClickBank: The site is catered to individuals who sell intangible assets such as eBooks, software, and online courses. 
  • ShareASale: On this site, you have access to thousands of merchants across different industries. 
  • CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction): It has a broad selection of products and services for promoting. 
  • Rakuten Marketing: This is the most known affiliate marketing site by many famous global brands. 

Every program will subsequently give you affiliate links that will monitor sales so you can earn commissions when people buy referred through your affiliation. 

Create Quality Content

Content is the king in affiliate marketing. The higher the quality and more informative and meaningful the content becomes, the more likely it will gain trust from its audience to click on an affiliate link. You can create blog posts, product reviews, tutorials, comparison guides, or even YouTube videos. However, there is real value offered instead of merely selling products.

Promote Your Content 

Just creating content is not enough; you have to drive traffic to your content also. Promote your content through social media including Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest; SEO; and also through content-sharing sites like Medium. Another way to promote your webpage or blog is to join relevant online communities, forums, or Facebook groups to share your content with an audience.

Track Results 

Tracking your performance is essential to improving your affiliate marketing efforts. Use tools like Google Analytics to track website visitors, conversion rates, and other relevant metrics. Most affiliate programs also provide dashboards where you can track the number of clicks, conversions, and commissions. By analyzing this data, you can refine your strategies and focus on what works best.

Be Patient 

Affiliate marketing is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes time to build a successful affiliate marketing business. Don’t expect instant results. Stay consistent with your content creation and promotion efforts. Over time, as you gain more experience, your traffic and earnings will grow.

Conclusion

Starting affiliate marketing with no money is completely feasible if you approach it with dedication and the right mindset. By choosing a niche, creating a website, joining affiliate programs, creating valuable content, promoting it effectively, tracking your results, and being patient, you can gradually build a source of passive income. Affiliate marketing requires hard work and time, but the rewards can be significant if you stick with it and continually improve your strategy.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article has been updated to reflect new money saving apps that you can use to earn good returns on your money. I had a chat with a friend a few weeks ago and somehow the discussion veered into personal finance a la money saving apps and investments etc.

Now I’m the first to raise my hands and say I suck at saving/investing. I feel like I save too little and too irregularly. But I’m deciding to do something about it like learning tricks to save money on things like electricity.

Back to the story I asked, out of curiousity, whether she has somewhere she puts away money. She mentioned a certain bank/insurance saving product that pays, wait for it! 5% per annum. I was surprised and then upset. Then I realised there was likely a lot of people like her – putting money into savings or investment plans that paid too little and below the inflation rate. Save N1 million that way and after one year the N1 million plus the interest will be worth less than it is today.

So what are the ways you can save/invest your money to yield the highest possible annual interest while being sure your money is relatively save? Note that an investment/savings product should have a high level of security and return decent interest. With inflation and rising costs of living the best thing you can do is put your money to work to earn more for you. Simply leaving your money in a bank savings account that pays little or no interest is not a wise decision. So we looked at various options and here are some apps that enable you save/money at good annual returns. They all have at least 24/48 hours withdrawal.

Money Saving Apps

Over the past few years several fin-tech companies with focus on helping people save and earn decent interest on their saved money have become even more popular. It is easy to see why. Before now you could leave N1 million in your bank savings account without withdrawing/touching it and you will be lucky to get a paltry 1 or 2% interest annually on it. Enter Savings/investment apps that encourage people to save their money and earn anywhere between 10 – 25% interest on it. So basically in one way they promise much higher interest if you save your money with them than with a traditional bank. And for some of them is the beauty of monitoring your accumulating interests via the digital app. The more popular ones include;

  • Piggyvest: Piggyvest started as Piggybank in 2016 as a savings only platform. It offers customers/users between 10 – 15% interest on saved amount per annum. Users can transfer money they intend to save or fund their savings account with a credit/debit card. The app lets you save in Naira and also in US dollar with the dollar savings paying 6% interest annually. There is also the Safelock feature which allows you lock away money you don’t want to be tempted to touch in return for up to 15% interest.
  • Cowrywise: Cowrywise is yet another savings app launched in 2017. It offers users the opportunity to save their money and earn interest. The app allows you choose different savings options to meet your goals. On Cowrywise you can earn up to 15% annual interest on the amount you save.
  • ALAT: ALAT is a digital only bank set up by Wema Bank. Launched in 2017 ALAT lets you set savings goals. You receive a physical debit card which lets you withdraw money from anywhere. You can earn up to 10% annual interest when you save money on ALAT.
  • OPAY: OPay’s Owealth offering enables you leave your idle money to earn interest. Depending on the minimum balance required one can earn at least 15% annual interest. According to the app they pay the interest daily to your account.
  • JOLLOF+: This relatively new entrant promises annual interests of as high as 20% on your saved money.
  • KUDA: Kuda become popular as a digital bank for the young and digital savvy. It has introduced fixed savings that pays 12% annual interest or more on your savings.
  • FAIRMONEY: Fairmoney is a microfinance bank with a digital app that allows users save money and earn up to 17% annual interest or more depending on the savings plan they choose.

ALSO SEE

NOTE: This article does not constitute financial advice. Nairabrains will not be responsible for any decisions taken as a result of reading this article. Kindly consult your financial advisor or seek professional financial advice.

Guaranty Trust Bank (known as GTBank for short) is one of the easily more recognisable financial and banking institutions in the country. Not just that they are also one of the promising companies to invest in, in the Nigerian stock market.

If you are looking to buy GTBank shares or information on how to buy shares in GTBank this article will explain the ways you can do that.

Where is Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Shares Traded?

GTBank is one of the companies that has dual listing (which means the company has its shares traded in more than one stock exchange). In 2007 GTBank became the first Nigerian bank to dual list on an international stock exchange when it was listed on the London Stock Exchange.

This means that you can choose to either buy GTBank shares in the Nigerian Stock Exchange using Naira as the currency or purchase shares in GTBank in the London Stock Exchange using the Pound sterling as currency. The company trades as GTCO in both stock exchanges.

About the London Stock Exchange

The London Stock Exchange (LSE) is the 7th largest stock exchange globally with a total market cap of over $3 trillion (as at the time of this writing). While this pales from the New York Stock Exchange for example, it is a far larger and more liquid stock market than the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The stock exchange’s primary location is in London, United Kingdom. It is run by the London Stock Exchange Group which itself is a company one can purchase shares and become a shareholder in.

On the London Stock Exchange there are the Main Market which has the stocks of over 1,300 large companies from over 60 countries traded and the Alternative Investment Market which serves as the LSE’s international market for smaller companies.

How to Buy GTBank (GTCO) Shares in London Stock Exchange

To buy shares in GTBank (trading as GTCO) or indeed in any company trading at the London Stock Exchange you need to find and use an international broker or a broker who is licensed to do business with the exchange.

To buy shares in GTBank (otherwise known as GTCO) you would either have to do that through a stockbroker that has license to buy and sell shares in the London Stock Exchange or use several of the licensed/approved stock trading apps which include Avatrade, Etoro, Libertex etc.

You have to check which one works for your present location, download the app, register/provide all personal identification details and once your account is approved you can fund your account and start trading.

How to Buy GTBank Shares in the Nigerian Stock Exchange

If you want to buy shares in GTBank through the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) you can either sign up with a stockbroker (preferably the ones with online presence where you can monitor your investments) or use any of the stock trading apps that enable you buy/sell shares of companies in the NSE yourself.

You can use Chaka, Trove, Investnow, Ameritrade etc

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Affiliate Marketing is easily becoming one of the seamless ways to make money online, especially for Africans. It has also become a way for Africans to get into global e-commerce and create reliable sources of income. However, not everyone is privy to some of the affiliate marketing programs and websites that can be easily leveraged for sustainable income. 

This article will show some of the top affiliate marketing programs that Africans can tap into to generate more income.

What is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing strategy where people make money by promoting products or services from other companies. As an affiliate marketer, you share a company’s products or services with your audience. When someone buys the product or takes a specific action—like signing up or filling out a form—through your unique link, you earn a commission.

The system is beneficial to both the business and the affiliate. The business generates more sales without having to pay upfront for advertising, while the affiliate can earn money without needing to create or own any products.

Although affiliate marketing has existed for a long time, it has become much more popular with the rise of the Internet and online marketing. Affiliate marketers in Africa can promote products not only locally but also to international audiences, opening up opportunities to earn money globally.

Top Affiliate Marketing Websites for Africans to Make Money

Jumia is one of the biggest online shopping sites in Africa, offering a wide range of products from electronics to clothing. Jumia operates in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, making it a great choice for affiliate marketers across Africa.

You can promote their products and earn commissions when people buy through your unique affiliate links. The program offers good commission rates, especially for high-end items. They also provide affiliates with helpful marketing tools, and tracking systems to help increase their earnings.

  • ShareASale

ShareASale is a global affiliate marketing network based in the US. They offer a variety of programs from different industries. Even though it is based in the US, ShareASale is open to affiliates around the globe, including those in Africa. It has thousands of merchants and products, from fashion and beauty to technology and health.

ShareASale is a great choice for Africans looking to join a well-established affiliate network. The platform is easy to operate, and you can select from a broad range of affiliate programs to promote. ShareASale provides robust tracking tools and payment options to ensure affiliates are paid on time. You should also know that the commission varies by merchant.

  • Konga Affiliate Program

Konga is another leading e-commerce platform with an affiliate marketing program. Like most e-commerce sites, Konga sells a wide variety of products ranging from electronics to fashion and beauty items. They also offer attractive commissions for affiliates.

The Konga affiliate program is easy to join. As an affiliate, you can promote a wide range of products giving you the flexibility to choose what resonates best with your audience.

  • TradeDoubler

Trade Doubler is known for partner marketing growth facilitating productive connections across the globe. They have an affiliate program that makes affiliates promote diverse products to a wide audience. They have a user-friendly interface with reporting tools to track sales and commissions. They also have flexible payment options which is an advantage for African affiliates.

  • Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates is one of the most popular affiliate programs in the world. Amazon through its affiliate programs provides affiliates with the opportunity to promote their products while earning commissions from each purchase. Amazon offers millions of products which makes it easier for affiliates to increase their earnings.

Conclusion

These are some of the confirmed affiliate marketing platforms where Africans make money so you can join in the pool. With some extra effort you become a top affiliate marketer and earn even more than average affiliates earn. 

Some people look for online loans that have easy monthly repayments plans so we took the time to do some research and come up with some answers.

These are some of the easy online loans in Nigeria with monthly payments. They are either 30/31 day loans that you have to repay on or before 30/31 days or they are longer term (1 – 12 months) loans that you would have to pay back on a monthly basis.

We have put together a list of 10 online loans with monthly payments in Nigeria. You can check them out below in no particular order;

1. Quick Credit

This is an online loan you can get from GTBank with up to 12 months repayment period. However you will be shown the monthly repayment breakdown so you know how much you are expected to pay back monthly.

Quick Credit comes with a monthly 1.5% repayment interest on the principal amount. With Quick Credit you can qualify to borrow up to N5m without collateral and paperwork, depending on your monthly salary/income. You can learn more about GTBank Quick Credit

2. Carbon Loans

Carbon is a fintech and microfinance bank that enables you carry out several financial transactions via the getcarbon app.

Carbon says its online loan can enable you borrow up to N1m with flexible repayment options.

3. GTBank Salary Advance

GTBank has another online loan that is targeted at short term financial support to salary earners. You can qualify for up to 50% of your monthly salary.

It has a 1 month repayment period after which you can qualify for more loans.

Applicants will have to be GTB customers and can access the Salary Advance loan via the GTWorld or GTBank app.

4. Stanbic Personal Loan

Stanbic IBTC bank has personal loans for its customers where you can borrow money with flexible repayment period. You must have a minimum N20,000 monthly income and be at least 21 years old to qualify.

4. EZ Cash for SMEs

This is a loan by Stanbic bank targeted at small enterprises and businesses. The EZ cash for SME loans can give up to N5m to small business owners.

You then have a monthly payment plan at 2.5% interest monthly. Repayment period can be between 6 – 12 months. Customers of the bank can request for the loan via the bank’s online channels (website or mobile app).

5. ALAT Salary Based Loans

Wema Bank, through its ALAT mobile app, gives individuals loans based on their monthly salary. The bank says applicants can get between N50,000 – N4m in loans.

You can repay the loans with a monthly plan that comes with 2% monthly interest.

6. Click Credit

Click Credit is an online loan from UBA for anyone who maintains an active account with the bank. You can borrow up to N1 million depending on your monthly salary. with a repayment period of up to 1 year.

The loan has monthly payment that comes with 2.5% interest.

Customers of the bank can access the loan through the bank’s website/app or through the USSD code.

7. Specta

Specta is a Sterling bank lending platform that provides loans with flexible monthly payment plans. Specta loans can have 1- 12 months repayment with interest rates that vary.

8. Quick Credit for Small Business

GTBank’s Quick Credit loan has the version for small businesses that enables them get up to 50% of their annual turnover or a maximum of N10 million.

The loan tenure can be up to 6 months with monthly repayment. The repayment comes with monthly 1.5% interest. It appears to be one of the business loans in the country with the lowest interest rates.

9. Fairmoney Business Loans

Fairmoney, one of the microfinance banks and money lenders with online application process, says small businesses can get up to N5 million in loan. You simply apply online, fill the applications and submit to get a response within 24 hours.

The loans have up to 12 months repayment with a monthly payment plan.

10. Renmoney Loans

Renmoney on the FAQ section of its website says it can give up to N6 million in loans with a repayment plan of up to 24 months.

Individuals and businesses can apply for loans (personal and micro business loans) and get the amount the qualify for within 24 hours.

We guess you will get a breakdown of the monthly payment and interest when you make a loan application.

We have written some interesting, enlightening content around the loan industry. You can check some of them below;