The internet has changed the world. So much so that today, it is almost impossible to live without the Internet, especially for young people, who constitute most Internet users in the world. In Africa, where 77% of the population are young people under the age of 35 (according to DW), use of the internet has been essential, however, this precious resource does not always reach everyone. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, only one in five people have access to the Internet, according to a World Bank study.

Most internet users in Africa are focused on social media. But there are still those who decide to use the Internet in a more enjoyable way, looking for opportunities to earn money.

The reason why many young Africans seek income opportunities through the Internet centers on the fact that the unemployment rate is increasing dramatically on the continent. However, with the Internet it is possible to perform certain services and guarantee a considerable income. One service that can be provided on the Internet is the affiliate program.

This service consists in offering commercial opportunities to any Internet user in order to promote the products or services of the company in exchange for commissions. It is quite common on more developed continents for companies to implement affiliate programs to improve marketing, while affiliates are given opportunities to improve their financial situation. In Africa, companies are free to implement these services as strategies to promote their business, although this is rare among companies operating on the continent.

Young Africans must seize the opportunity offered by the Internet

Young Africans are dreamers, and for most of them, financial independence is the main dream to be achieved. However, it is a reality that Africa suffers from a very high unemployment rate as mentioned above and this encourages many young people to seek new opportunities to support themselves. The internet can completely change this scenario through affiliate programs. With this service, young people can make the most of the Internet by guaranteeing them an acceptable weekly or monthly income.

It is true that in Africa the majority of Internet users focus on social networks daily and these networks can have a less positive influence, although social networks, when used well, are a rich source of information and communication. On the flip side, affiliate programs positively influence businesses and individuals for a number of reasons, some of which are outlined below.

Why should African companies use affiliate programs in their structure?

There are many reasons, and they are all related to the sales and marketing of a business. Affiliate programs for businesses can be responsible for many benefits that justify implementing such programs.

Some advantages are:

More traffic

Affiliates, through a link, bring a company's products or services to a wider audience, and when clicked (the links), the user is immediately redirected to the company's website or to n any Sales page. This certainly represents a perfect strategy for businesses that have low traffic sites, as it will dramatically increase the traffic to that company's website.

Increase in the number of sales

More traffic generates more sales. It is a fact, as new users get to know the company website through the links posted by affiliates, more customers will appear and as a result more sales will be made.

Plus, most people buy certain products on the recommendation of people they trust. It makes all the difference, if I am an affiliate of your business and recommend your product to a friend of mine via a link, they are more likely to contact your business and buy the product on my recommendation than just find the same product on another company, for example.

Promote the brand

A brand becomes more visible and known when it is presented to more people. And when businesses fail at this task, affiliates, can act. Imagine that a digital influencer with countless followers and a loyal audience becomes an affiliate of your business, no doubt they will make the effort to bring your brand to all of their followers and be able to sell more of your product, it will make your brand better known.

Improves business performance

Marketing work saves time. With affiliate services, marketers will have a lighter job or won't even need a multi-professional marketing team.

Real benefits for young Africans

The implementation of affiliate programs in companies will offer young people a set of benefits far beyond the possibility of making money. Some advantages of affiliate program for young people are:

Commissions acceptable

Some platforms pay their affiliates an amount that varies from 20 to 80% for each sale of a specific product. This percentage is taken from the price of the product. Therefore, if the price of the product is high, the affiliate's income will also be high.

Free registration

You don't need to pay to become an affiliate of some companies. As a rule, registration is completely free.

Remote work

An affiliate needs resources like a computer and the internet to perform his service to any business, this allows him to perform his service anywhere, even on the sofa in his living room.

Ease of execution

Promoting a company's product or service on the Internet through a link is not difficult. It is a task that anyone with a little will power could do.

Sell without needing a product.

If a large portion of Africa's youth wants to start their own business, but lack the financial means, companies can help them by offering them the option of selling their products and offering a commission in return.

No need for big investments.

A computer and Internet access is enough for the affiliate service to be possible, it certainly does not involve a considerably high investment.

Conclusion

The Internet and affiliate programs in Africa represent a great opportunity. Businesses can positively contribute to the successful integration of young Africans into society, providing them with employment opportunities and taking advantage of them. Affiliate programs should, of course, deserve the attention of companies and represent an asset for young people, because the concentration of young Internet users in Africa can represent real opportunities for companies.