How to Get Virtual Assistant Jobs in Africa (A Guide)
The post-pandemic popularity of remote work has transformed the global job market, and Africa is no exception. Among the most popular remote roles is that of a virtual assistant (VA).
This guide offers practical steps on how to secure virtual assistant jobs in Africa.
Who is a Virtual Assistant?
A virtual assistant is a professional who provides one or more services that may be administrative, technical, creative, or other support to clients remotely. Common responsibilities include managing emails and calendars, data entry, social media management, customer service, bookkeeping, and content creation. VAs may work as freelancers, through agencies, or directly with companies, serving clients across different time zones and industries.
Assessing the Demand for Virtual Assistants in Africa
The demand for virtual assistants in Africa is growing steadily, as indicated by job placements on Africa-centric job boards like Remote4Africa. You’ll also notice a growing number of Africans offering VA services on leading freelancing platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer and Fiverr, among others.
International organizations are increasingly recognizing the competencies, skill diversity and other benefits that African professionals offer. In countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana, more people are tapping into the expanding global gig economy.
Factors fuelling this trend in the continent include youthful population, unemployment/underemployment, improved internet connectivity, digital literacy, and the above-mentioned global freelancing platforms that help facilitate remote work. Additionally, local startups and SMEs are also hiring VAs due to the value they add.
So, what is the likely salary of a VA working in Africa? According to Glassdoor, the estimated base pay range of a virtual assistant in Lagos, Nigeria is between ₦70,000 - ₦250,000 per month, as of April 2, 2025. In Johannesburg, South Africa, the total monthly average base pay range for a VA as of May 16 2025, is likely to be between ZAR 9,000 and ZAR 15,000.
How to Get Virtual Assistant Jobs in Africa
Acquire Relevant Training, Skills and Toolkit
To become a successful VA in Africa and beyond, it's essential to be equipped with the right knowledge and skills. Your skillset should typically include (but not be limited to) communication, time management, organization, and familiarity with digital tools for VAs.
You do not need a degree to be a good VA but having a higher education qualification can be an advantage. Many free and paid online courses provide training tailored to VA roles. The Remote4Africa career resources page also offers some virtual assistance insights.
Having reliable hardware (a good computer and headset), a stable internet connection, and access to essential software are some other critical requirements.
Create Professional and Compelling Online Profiles
A professional and compelling online presence is crucial in attracting potential clients. Having strong work profiles in platforms such as LinkedIn, Upwork, and Fiverr can help since they are popular among employers seeking VAs. A typical online work profile should include:
- A professional photo.
- A compelling headline and summary highlighting your skills and experience.
- Detailed descriptions of the services you offer.
- Client testimonials or reviews, if available.
Ensure That Your CV/Resume is Optimized for Virtual Work
It is necessary to have a well-structured CV/resume that emphasize your ability to work remotely. Highlight relevant qualifications, experiences, tools you’re proficient with, and soft skills you have. Tailor your resume for each job application and include keywords that potential clients may be searching for, such as "virtual assistant," "remote administrative support," or "online project management."
CVHack.com helps you craft or evaluate all kinds of CV/resumes, making you more attractive to employers seeking virtual assistants. Not only will CVHack guide you in creating a CV/resume that looks good, but it also ensures that such a CV/resume is compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), increasing your chances of landing interviews and jobs. CVHack has several resume samples/templates for users to choose from.
You’ll also find lots of CV samples and templates for various professions on the Remote4Africa career resources page. Remember to always update your CV/resume to include any new certifications, skills or job experience.
Search for VA Jobs on Reputable Platforms
Finding legitimate VA opportunities requires searching on trusted platforms in order to avoid fake jobs and scams. Remote4Africa.com is a leading job board dedicated to providing Africans with verified remote work opportunities. It features a wide range of VA positions across various categories and African regions/countries.
Network
Networking is a powerful tool in the remote work landscape. Membership of online forums, communities or groups where virtual assistants and other remote workers gather can be beneficial. Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook groups, and specialized forums provide opportunities to connect with potential clients, share ideas, and learn about job openings. Engaging in these communities can lead to referrals, collaborations, and insights into the latest industry trends.
Continue Learning and Improving
The tech-driven digital landscape is ever-evolving. To remain competitive, invest in continuous learning and improvement. Always stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and best practices in the VA industry. Regularly upgrading your knowledge and skills will enhance your value and open up new opportunities.
Study Country-Specific Labour/Remote Work Laws
Some African countries are beginning to regulate freelancing and remote work more formally. Understanding the legal implications of remote work in your host country is essential.
Learn about invoicing, taxes, business registration, and digital payment systems like Payoneer, Wise, or Flutterwave. This knowledge helps you stay compliant and positions you as a professional to clients.
Benefits of a Virtual Assistant
As noted earlier, businesses are looking for virtual assistants in Africa because of the benefits they provide. Here are some of them:
Cost-Effective for Businesses
One of the most significant advantages of hiring a virtual assistant is the cost savings it can confer. For example, unlike full-time, in-office employees, virtual assistants work remotely and often on a freelance or contract basis.
This eliminates expenses associated with office space, equipment, internet, and electricity. It may also exclude employee benefits like health insurance or paid time off.
Furthermore, most professional VAs invest in their own training and skill development to stay competitive. Hence, businesses benefit from up-to-date skills without having to spend heavily on staff training programs.
All these make virtual assistants especially ideal for startups, solo entrepreneurs, and small to medium-sized businesses looking to maximize their budgets.
Boosts Efficiency and Productivity
Virtual assistants are often hired to handle specific tasks such as email management, bookkeeping, calendar scheduling, data entry, or customer service. Because they focus on these defined responsibilities, VAs can typically complete tasks more quickly and efficiently.
Delegating time-consuming or repetitive work to a VA allows business owners to concentrate on other strategic goals, which can lead to higher aggregate productivity.
Round-the-Clock Availability
One of the underrated benefits of virtual assistants is their potential for 24/7 availability. Many VAs work across different time zones, which makes it easier for businesses to extend their hours of operation without hiring multiple shifts.
This is particularly advantageous for global companies or online businesses that need support outside regular working hours.
In other words, with a VA, customer inquiries can be responded to promptly, even while the core team is offline, thus helping to improve response time and overall customer experience.
Flexibility and Scalability
Hiring a virtual assistant gives companies the flexibility to scale their workforce according to workload. VAs can be brought on board for short-term projects or seasonal needs, without the long-term commitment of full-time employment.
This model can help businesses respond quickly to changes in demand and manage growth more effectively. Whether a business needs 10 hours of assistance a week or full-time support for a few months, VAs offer that adaptability.
Worldwide Accessibility
Thanks to remote work, businesses no longer need to limit their talent search to a specific geographic area. Virtual assistants can be sourced from anywhere in the world, giving employers access to a vast and diverse pool of skilled professionals.
In particular, African countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa are emerging as strong hubs for talented VAs. These professionals often offer excellent English communication skills, strong tech competencies, and competitive rates, making them valuable assets for global clients.
Specialized Skill Sets On-Demand
Many virtual assistants go beyond basic admin work such, as appointment setting, to offer specialized services like social media management, digital marketing, content creation, SEO, bookkeeping, and CRM management.
Hiring a VA with a specific skill set other than those they were hired to do means you don't need to hire another worker or train existing ones for new roles. Instead, you get instant access to expertise that can help drive specific business goals. For example, a VA employed to be a bookkeeper but also experienced in Shopify can support e-commerce tasks.
Improved Work-Life Balance
From the VA’s perspective, working remotely offers major lifestyle advantages. Virtual assistants enjoy flexible work schedules, the ability to work from anywhere, and the freedom to choose which clients or industries they want to work with.
This autonomy often leads to greater job satisfaction and work-life balance. Additionally, VAs avoid the stress and cost of commuting and can tailor their work environment to suit their preferences, which contributes to better mental well-being and productivity.
Quick Onboarding and Low Learning Curve
Experienced VAs are accustomed to diving into new systems and workflows quickly. They often require minimal onboarding, allowing them to start delivering results almost immediately.
Many are familiar with several VA tools such as Dashlane, Trello, Notion, Google Workspace, HubSpot CRM and more. This readiness saves time and reduces the disruption typically associated with new hires.
Enhanced Customer Support
Virtual assistants can significantly improve a company’s customer service capabilities. Whether managing support tickets, handling live chat inquiries, or responding to emails, a dedicated VA can ensure clients receive prompt, courteous, and professional service.
Some VAs are also multilingual, which can be an asset for businesses serving diverse or international markets. Better customer service leads to increased satisfaction, loyalty, and positive reviews—factors that directly impact business growth.
Conclusion
Virtual assistance presents a viable and flexible career option for many Africans, offering the freedom to work with both domestic and international clients from any location on the continent with reliable internet connectivity. By taking necessary steps like acquiring relevant training, skills, and tools, having a professional online presence, optimizing your CV/resume for remote work, leveraging reputable job platforms, networking, updating your knowledge and skills regularly, and staying informed about legal regulations, you can successfully get VA jobs in Africa and elsewhere.