The rise of the multi-hyphenated African woman
Let it be known that African women are effortlessly balancing their dreams and side hustles. We are not waiting for opportunities but forging our paths. By 5 a.m., a typical African woman is dragging herself out of bed, responding to emails, and by 7 a.m., she’s in traffic heading to work. Another day, another hustle juggling the demands of the side hustles that pay the bills.
This story is on repeat across the continent of Africa. African women took the saying “one road does not lead to the market” literally. From Lagos to Accra and Nairobi to Johannesburg, African women embody ambition and resilience. We are no longer bothered by job security; we have found a way to balance our jobs and side hustles.
Beneath the glamour of showing up, there is the grit. Behind the captions and the “boss babe” hashtag are sleepless nights and strategic deliberations. The women who raised us, what they stand for, and the values they instill in us are reflected in our ambitions, resilience, and economic aspirations.
The drive behind these side hustles
Why are side hustles common among African women? Truthfully, many economies in Africa are going through tough times that demand survival skills. The cost of living is squeezing life out of the living. Payday is just another day to repay debts and sort out overdue bills.
Aside from the fact that trading is a major cultural influence, having side hustles limits the financial insecurities that come with inflation and other economic issues. Women are turning their hobbies into multiple streams of income. HR personnel by day, virtual assistant by night. Don’t be surprised when you see a banker by day who is a caterer on weekends. Baking, skincare vendor, virtual assistant—name it, African women do it all after work hours.
Beyond the economic demands, there is a new shift in orientation, and African women are becoming empowered, independent, and financially enlightened. Women have used the gift of the internet to reach the world. Social media is the modern-day market square that makes connections easy. Now, a fabric vendor can be in her living room and selling to a customer in the United Kingdom.
The act of juggling dreams and passion
Women who balance their 9-5s and side hustles are literally living two lives. Remember, these superhumans also have a lifestyle that tags along. The work ethic is forged by discipline. Business professionals are going from one meeting to the other, sending emails, yet effortlessly balancing the weight of managing a business in Africa.
Between the hassle of having to face early morning and rush hour traffic daily, there is laundry on Saturdays, meal prepping on Sundays, and deciding which hangout to say yes to, which can be hectic, but it’s worth it in the end.
The challenges of side hustles
Of course, it’s not going to be a smooth ride all through without bumps here and there.
There will be days when you feel tired, and your mind is convinced you should quit, but you know you have to show up. Time can be a major challenge, and rest becomes a luxury. Your day job is already demanding enough, and side hustles can eat into personal time. Not everyone is bold enough to take the risk of quitting their jobs to follow their dreams.
Nothing prepares you for the financial demands of floating a business, even when you think you are prepared. Not many businesses have the opportunity of getting investors. So, the cost of daily operational running, branding, marketing, and personal bills is accompanied by occasional self-doubt of “What if it doesn’t work?”
A single paycheck doesn’t guarantee stability anymore. So, women push through against all odds, not just for the money but for purpose and self-assurance.
The strength in community and collaboration
African women are forming online and offline communities to support each other, especially in business. Social media has become support groups for women to share business ideas, recommendations, and each other’s posts. Communities like Nigeria’s ImpactHER, which focuses on women’s entrepreneurship, and Uganda’s Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA), which develops women’s leadership amongst other notable initiatives, are networks that connect African women in business.
It’s collaboration over competition for women who love to share knowledge, rather than gatekeep. Through shared experiences and networking, we know that in finding our purpose, women should strive to build brands that will live on as legacies. The reason behind the side hustles matters more than money. Also, be aware that rest is not laziness. Outsource tasks when it becomes overwhelming; this helps you focus on growth.
Rewriting what success looks like
Times have changed. African women no longer have to get a job, earn a decent salary, spend 30 years in service, and retire quietly. That formula no longer aligns with the drive to “control your narrative.” Why choose between dream and passion when you can chase it all? To every woman who has the best of both worlds, give yourself grace. To the banker cum content creator and the fashion designer running masterclasses, you are the heartbeat of Africa’s new economy. So, rest when you need to. The journey may seem tiring, but every step takes you closer to your purpose.
