How To Start An Affiliate Marketing Business In Nigeria

Introduction.

Starting a business in Nigeria doesn’t have to mean renting a shop, stocking products, or hiring staff. If you’re looking for a smart way to earn money online without needing a huge budget, affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways to start.

With the right steps, tools, and mindset, you can build a business that earns real income—even while you sleep.

Now more than ever, Nigerians are turning to digital platforms to earn a living. Between high unemployment rates and rising costs, online businesses offer more than just income—they offer freedom.

According to Statista, Nigeria had over 122 million internet users in 2023, and that number keeps growing. That’s a massive audience you can tap into.

But what exactly is affiliate marketing, and how can you start making money with it in Nigeria? That’s what I’ll walk you through in this post.

What is Affiliate Marketing?

Let’s keep it simple.

Affiliate marketing means you promote other people’s or companies’ products. When someone buys through your unique link, you earn a commission.

You don’t need to create your product, deal with customer service, or handle shipping.

Here’s how it works:

You join an affiliate program.
You get a special link.
You share that link with others (on WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, blogs, YouTube, etc.).
When people click and buy, you get paid.

For example, if you join Jumia’s affiliate program and promote a blender, you could earn 6% to 11% of the sale price if someone buys it through your link.

Why Affiliate Marketing Works Well in Nigeria

Low startup cost

You don’t need capital to start. Just your phone and internet.

Large audience

With over 30 million social media users in Nigeria, you already have a platform to market.

Flexible income

You can earn daily, weekly, or monthly. Some people earn ₦50k–₦500k per month or more once they build trust.

No physical product needed

You don’t have to worry about delivery, inventory, or returns.

Multiple platforms

Promote products on Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, blogs, YouTube—anywhere people pay attention.

How Do I Start an Affiliate Marketing Business in Nigeria?

1. Pick a Niche

Choose a topic or category you understand or enjoy. It could be:

Fashion
Health and fitness
Phones and gadgets
Parenting
Personal finance
Travel
Digital products (like courses or eBooks)

Picking a niche helps you focus and build trust with your audience. Don’t try to promote everything to everyone.

2. Sign Up for Affiliate Programs

Here are some top affiliate programs available in Nigeria:

Jumia Affiliate Program – affiliate.jumia.com
Konga Affiliate Program – www.konga.com/affiliates
Expertnaire – Digital products marketplace (high commissions) expertnaire.com
Learnoflix – Similar to Expertnaire
Amazon Associates – If you’re targeting a global audience
Selar.co

Each platform will give you a unique link to promote products.

3. Choose the Right Products to Promote

This is where many beginners mess up. Don’t promote random things just because the commission is high. Ask yourself:

Is this product helpful?
Does my audience need or want it?
Will they trust my recommendation?

Start with products you’ve used, or something popular in your niche.

4. Build Your Platform

You don’t need a website to start—but having one helps long term. In the beginning, focus on platforms where people already are:

WhatsApp status & groups
Instagram Reels
Facebook
TikTok
Twitter/X
YouTube Shorts
Medium (for blogs)

The key is to share helpful content, not just your affiliate link.

Instead of saying “Buy this product now,” try:

“Here’s the skincare product that helped clear my acne in 3 weeks ”
[Insert link]

Add value before selling.

5. Create Useful Content

This is how you stand out. Don’t just spam links—create content that helps people.

Examples:

Reviews
How-to guides
Tutorials
Unboxing videos
Before and after results
Product comparisons

If you’re into makeup, you can create a short video showing how to apply foundation, then recommend the one you use (with your link). People buy from those they trust.

6. Grow Your Audience

Here are simple ways to grow:

Post consistently
Use trending hashtags
Join Facebook groups
Comment on related posts
Partner with micro-influencers
Use reels, carousels, and short videos (these perform best now)

Also, build an email list or a WhatsApp list of people interested in what you share.

7. Track Your Links

Use tools like:

Bitly.com (free)
Google Analytics
Short.io

Tracking helps you see what works and what doesn’t. If one product gets more clicks, promote it more.

Common Questions About Affiliate Marketing in Nigeria

How much can I earn?

It depends on the product and your effort. Some people earn ₦20,000 in a week, while others make ₦500,000+ per month. Digital products usually pay more (up to 50–80%).

Do I need a laptop?

No, you can start with just your phone. But as you grow, a laptop helps for blogging, creating longer content, or email marketing.

Is it legit?

Yes. Affiliate marketing is a global business model used by top companies like Amazon, Uber, and Jumia.

Do I need to pay to join?

Most programs are free (like Jumia or Amazon). Some platforms like Expertnaire or Learnoflix charge a small access fee, usually to get their digital course and join the affiliate system.

Extra Resources

Free Course: Affiliate Marketing Basics on HubSpot Academy

YouTube Channels:

Free Tools:

Canva.com – For designing posts
InShot – For editing videos
Bitly.com – For shortening links

Final Thoughts

Affiliate marketing isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, but if you stick with it, learn as you go, and treat it like a business, the results can surprise you. It’s one of the best ways to earn from your phone in Nigeria without needing a lot of money to start.

So, if you’re ready to start earning online with affiliate marketing…

What’s stopping you from taking the first step today?