You can earn $300 or more writing fictional stories, articles, or essays you genuinely enjoy. You don’t need a degree or years of experience to start earning in dollars as a writer in Africa. Today, there are real freelance writing opportunities for Africans who want to turn what they enjoy into paid work and build income on their own terms.
This is already the reality for many writers. Across the internet, international websites that pay writers in Africa are actively looking for contributors, from short stories and opinion pieces to technical and niche articles. These paid writing platforms for African writers offer flexible, remote writing jobs that don’t require formal credentials, just clarity, consistency, and good storytelling. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer, this guide shows how you can earn in dollars as a writer in Africa, without years of experience, while working from anywhere.
1. TechCabal
TechCabal is one of Africa’s leading technology publications, focused on African tech, startups, policy, and innovation. They regularly commission feature articles from freelance writers across the continent.
Earnings
Freelance feature writers are typically paid $175 for articles between 1,000–1,200 words. They may negotiate higher rates for longer or exceptional pieces.
How to Apply
To contribute, write a 300–400 word pitch and email it to their features editor.
Pitch Requirements
- Subject line with a working headline, e.g., “PITCH: How Nairobi’s Fintechs Are Redefining Cross-Border Payments”.
- A one-paragraph summary of the article’s narrative.
- Proposed sources and how you’ll access them.
- The unique angle and timeliness.
- Suggested multimedia (photos, charts).
- Anticipated reporting challenges and your solutions.
- Target word count and delivery timeline.
- A short bio and 2–3 writing samples.
Send pitches to: kay [at] bigcabal.com.
Submission Contact
Email pitches to: kay@bigcabal.com (Kosisochukwu Ugwuede, Features Editor). Expect fact-checked, nuanced narratives
Policy Notes
They prioritize deeply reported, fact-checked narratives that reflect nuanced understanding of African tech ecosystems.
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2. Opera News
Opera News is a content platform where writers publish articles and earn based on engagement metrics like clicks, reading time, and ad revenue. You create stories on current news, trends, lifestyle, or entertainment and get paid via a revenue-sharing model tied to article performance on the platform. Earnings vary widely because they are based on article performance and audience engagement rather than a fixed per-article fee. Writers manage their content through the Opera News Hub dashboard and are paid once the articles meet payout thresholds
Earnings
Writers earn through a revenue‑share model. There’s no fixed per‑article rate publicly stated; instead, payments are based on impressions and engagement levels. Earnings are typically paid in USD once you hit a minimum payout threshold.
How to Apply & Submission Process
- Sign up at hub.opera.com and complete your writer profile.
- Submit articles directly through the Opera News Hub dashboard.
- Articles undergo review for quality and adherence to guidelines before publication.
Submission Guidelines Highlights
- Content must be original and not published elsewhere.
- Follow Opera’s tone and formatting standards.
- Avoid clickbait and false claims.
- Keywords should be used naturally.
- Submit images with correct licensing where required.
3. Statement Africa
Statement Africa is a Pan‑African media platform paying writers for narratives, cultural commentary, op‑eds, and feature stories that center African lives, trends, and perspectives.
Earnings
They commonly pay on a per‑word or per‑feature basis, often around $0.20–$1.00 per word depending on editorial length and complexity. Exact rates vary by story type and negotiating editor approval.
How to Apply
- Prepare a pitch email including:
- Proposed headline
- Story focus and angle
- Expected word count
- Target publication category
- Why the story matters to an African audience
- Attach writing samples or lead paragraphs from previous work.
Submission Contact
- Email editorial team at: [check the latest “write for us” page for current contact]
Pitch Requirements
- Clear working title.
- Story summary in 2–3 paragraphs.
- Explanation of audience relevance.
- Optional links to relevant sources.
- Bio highlighting your connection to the topic.
Policy Notes
- Statement Africa prioritizes fresh narrative angles and cultural insight.
- Unsolicited full drafts may be returned without review.
4. MyHealthTeam
MyHealthTeam is a network of health‑condition communities seeking accessible, research‑based medical content. They hire freelance writers to craft articles on chronic health topics.
Earnings
Writers typically earn between $75 and $350 per article depending on length, complexity, and medical expertise required.
How to Apply
- Visit MyHealthTeam’s freelance writing or careers page.
- Complete their application form or email your resume and 2–3 health writing samples.
- Provide at least one science / research‑linked article sample.
- Include a short bio emphasizing medical writing experience.
Application Requirements
- Minimum 2 years of medical or health writing experience.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret peer‑reviewed research.
- Clear, accessible writing style for general audiences.
Editorial Standards
- All content must cite reputable medical sources.
- No promotional or sponsored content in submissions.
- References must follow style guidelines provided by the editorial team.
5. Content Turbine
Content Turbine pairs technical writers with tech companies for tutorials, developer content, and deep‑dive technical articles.
Earnings
The base rate starts at approximately $150 per article, with a 5‑level pay system that increases with experience, quality scores, and client feedback.
How to Apply
- Visit the Content Turbine website.
- Complete the screening test designed to assess your tech writing ability.
- Submit sample technical content (often a short tutorial or explanation).
Application Requirements
- Strong grammar and reporting.
- Technical topic comprehension (e.g., databases, SaaS, APIs).
- Ability to write for developer audiences.
Editorial Process
- Approved writers get access to a project marketplace.
- Editors assign or writers claim tasks based on interest.
- Submissions go through revisions before publication.
6. Livestrong
Livestrong is a widely read health and wellness platform publishing fitness, nutrition, mental health, and lifestyle content.
Earnings
- Rates are competitive but not always publicly disclosed.
- Freelance pay is typically determined based on writer experience, topic complexity, and length.
How to Apply
- Visit the Livestrong write for us or contributor page.
- Submit a story pitch form that includes:
- Headline idea
- Short summary of your angle
- Target category (fitness, diet, wellness, etc.)
- Editors review and invite full drafts if the pitch is accepted.
Submission Guidelines
- Pitches should be concise and tailored to Livestrong health readership.
- Links to previous writing samples are recommended.
- Editors may request revisions based on editorial priorities.
Policy Notes
- Livestrong reserves rights to edit for clarity and accuracy.
- Writers must verify that all health claims are evidence‑based.
7. Airbyte
Airbyte’s Write for the Community program invites data engineers, analysts, and technical writers to contribute tutorials, deep dives, and data-focused articles to its content hub.
Earnings
Contributors can earn between $300 and $500 per article, depending on quality and relevance. There is often a bonus (~$200) if the article exceeds 1,000 views within the first month.
How to Apply
- Visit Airbyte’s Community page and fill out their submission form.
- Submit a draft or idea in Google Docs or similar format.
Pitch Requirements
- Topic from Airbyte’s content list (e.g., data insights, tutorials).
- Clear explanation of how the article will teach or inform data practitioners.
- Your experience working with data and Airbyte tools.
The Airbyte team reviews drafts and may provide editorial feedback before acceptance.
Policy Notes
Airbyte prioritizes factual, clear, and technically useful content that serves data engineering audiences.
Airbyte prioritizes factual, clear, and technically useful content that serves data engineering audiences.
8. Rest of the World (Africa Desk)
Rest of the World is an international nonprofit publication focused on tech’s impact outside Western contexts. Their Africa Desk commissions stories about how technology shapes societies and economies across the continent.
Earnings
- $500 flat fee for shorter news stories (~600–1,000 words).
- $750 for reports (~1,000–2,000 words). Longer features can pay $1 per word or more for deeply reported narratives.
How to Apply
- Prepare a pitch email describing your story idea, why it matters, key sources, and your credentials.
- Send it to the Africa Desk editor or visit page.
Pitch Requirements
- Story angle and relevance
- Proposed word count
- Context and timeliness
- Suggested sources and access strategy
Policy Notes
Rest of the World prefers well-reported, human-centric stories with strong local insight and original reporting
9. AfriTales
AfriTales is a storytelling platform that celebrates African voices through short fiction, essays, and personal narratives. Writers can join as contributors and gain exposure to a community of readers internationally.
Earnings
Specific per-story pay is not publicly disclosed on their site, but as a community platform, they provide publishing opportunities that can build portfolio and lead to future paid assignments.
How to Apply
- Sign up on the AfriTales platform with your full name, email, and password.
- Agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
- Submit your story through the writing dashboard once accepted.
Pitch Requirements
- Original, unpublished story
- Clear, engaging narrative
- Compliance with platform community guidelines
Policy Notes
AfriTales highlights originality and a strong voice. While direct payment info isn’t listed publicly, published work often leads to paid opportunities through partnerships.
10. The Sunday Long Read
The Sunday Long Read publishes investigative and narrative nonfiction. They pay significantly for large-scale reported stories that dive deep into underreported topics.
Earnings
Authors typically earn a minimum $2,000 for longform pieces (2,000 words and above), with potential extra compensation for reporting expenses.
How to Apply
- Send a detailed pitch email to originals@sundaylongread.com.
- Include story outline, sources, word count estimate, and personal bio.
Pitch Requirements
- Story outline with narrative arc
- List of potential sources
- Proposed word count and deadline
- Why this story matters
Policy Notes
Focus is on narrative depth, character-driven reporting, and fresh perspectives on newsworthy subjects.
11. Popular Woodworking
Popular Woodworking is a magazine that pays writers to contribute how-to articles, project features, and narrative pieces related to woodworking and craft.
Earnings
Contributors can earn between $1,000 to $3,000 per feature, depending on complexity and scope.
How to Apply
- Email your pitch to editor Andrew Zoellner at azoellner@aimmedia.com.
- Include images or sketches, project details, estimated build time, and material costs.
Pitch Requirements
- Project description and unique angle
- Estimated readership benefit
- Your woodworking experience or credentials
Policy Notes
Editor reviews pitches for originality and project value to readers.
12. Saraba Magazine
Saraba Magazine is an African literary journal publishing creative fiction, poetry, and essays with a focus on literary craft.
Earnings
Saraba does not always publicly list pay rates, but selected contributors sometimes receive stipends or honoraria depending on publication mode and funding cycle.
How to Apply
- Submit creative work via their online portal during open submission periods.
- Follow genre-specific word counts and formatting guidelines on their site.
Pitch Requirements
- Original, unpublished literary work
- Proper formatting according to submission call
Policy Notes
Saraba prioritizes literary quality and originality. Pay is often modest but publication is prestigious for literary careers.
13. Civo
Civo offers freelance opportunities for tech writers to produce tutorials and guides focused on cloud computing, Kubernetes, and related topics.
Earnings
Accepted tutorials are paid via PayPal or Civo credits. Specific fees are agreed upon acceptance, often reflecting technical depth and length.
How to Apply
- Visit Civo’s Write for Us page.
- Submit a tutorial idea that addresses a technical topic (e.g., Kubernetes, marketplace applications).
- Upon acceptance, write your draft and submit for review.
Pitch Requirements
- Idea summary and target audience
- Technical relevance
- Estimated word count and format
Policy Notes
Civo reviewers look for clarity, accuracy, and technical usefulness
14. TechWell
TechWell operates a network of technical sites (AgileConnection, StickyMinds, CMCrossroads) that feature articles on software development, project management, testing, and technical leadership. While not always clearly advertised as a paid market, TechWell is widely listed among tech outlets that pay for quality technical writing.
Earnings
- TechWell articles often pay around $200 per piece based on industry pay summaries for technical publications.
How to Apply
- Submit your article or abstract by email to editorial@techwell.com or through their contributor submission form.
- Articles should be original and align with the community’s technical focus.
Pitch Requirements
- Include a 300-word abstract or complete article with your pitch.
- Attach an 80-word bio listing expertise and contact details.
- Provide writing samples or links to relevant work.
Policy Notes
- Content must be original and not published elsewhere.
- Focus areas include agile, DevOps, cloud, QA/testing, leadership, and technical process improvement.
15. Lolwe
Lolwe is a Pan-African literary magazine publishing fiction, poetry, essays, hybrid genres, drama, and visual art from writers across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Black diaspora. Lolwe
Earnings
While Lolwe doesn’t list fixed rates, they do offer modest remuneration for accepted and published work. Remuneration details are provided after acceptance and may vary by category (poetry, prose, visual art).
How to Apply
- Submissions must be made via Submittable (email submissions are not accepted).
- Choose the correct category for your work (fiction, poetry, or visual art).
- Include a brief author bio with your submission. Lolwe
Submission Requirements
- Prose: 1,000–10,000 words
- Poetry: 3–5 poems per document
- Visual art: 5–10 images with 200–500 words description
- Use Times New Roman, 12pt, double-spaced format
- Only one submission per cycle allowed
- Simultaneous submissions are permitted if you withdraw prior to acceptance. Lolwe
Policy Notes
- Works must be original and unpublished.
