Want a daily cash hustle? Akara business in Nigeria is one of the cheapest and most profitable small businesses. Learn how to start akara business in Nigeria with small capital and turn beans into daily income. Nigerians are cashing out ₦10k–₦15k profit every day from this simple food business.
Let me be real with you — times are hard in Nigeria right now. Prices of foodstuff are climbing daily, transport fares are high, jobs are scarce, and even salary earners are struggling to keep up. But no matter how bad things get, one thing Nigerians will never stop doing is eating. And among the cheapest and most loved foods across the country is akara (bean cake).
So when you asked me if it makes sense to start akara business in Nigeria, I smiled, because you’re thinking in the right direction. It may look small to some people, but akara business is a goldmine if you do it well. Let me walk you through everything you need to know, from startup cost to profit calculation, so that you don’t make avoidable mistakes.
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What is Akara Business?
Akara business is the preparation and selling of akara (fried bean cakes) for profit. Akara is a popular Nigerian street food made from peeled beans, blended with pepper, onions, and spices, then deep-fried in hot oil. The business involves setting up a small spot — often at bus stops, markets, or residential areas — to fry and sell akara to customers, usually in the mornings.
It’s one of the most common small-scale food businesses in Nigeria because it requires low startup capital, sells fast, and provides steady daily income. Many sellers combine akara with pap (akamu/ogi), bread, or fried yam to increase profit and attract more customers.
Why Akara Business is Profitable in Nigeria
First, let’s talk about why akara business works in Nigeria:
Daily demand: Akara is a breakfast favorite. Students rushing to school, workers heading to the office, market women, bus drivers — almost everybody eats akara in the morning.
Low startup capital: Unlike opening a shop that needs millions, akara requires less than ₦100k to get started.
Daily cash flow: No waiting for end-of-month payments. Whatever you sell, you pocket same day.
Scalable: You can start with a small frying spot, then later expand into a food joint by adding pap (akamu), bread, yam, potatoes, and even soft drinks.
Cultural acceptance: Akara is eaten across all regions in Nigeria. Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Ibibio — everybody loves it.
Tools and Equipment Needed to Start Akara Business in Nigeria
If you want to start akara business, here are the major tools and equipment you’ll need:
1. Frying Equipment
Large frying pan (iron or aluminum) – for deep frying the akara.
Turning spoon (slotted spoon) – for turning akara while frying.
Sieve or colander – for draining excess oil after frying.
Frying stand or gas stove/charcoal stove – to support the frying pan.
Oil container – to store your groundnut oil safely.
2. Food Preparation Tools
Beans grinder or blender – to grind the soaked beans into paste.
Plastic bowls/buckets – for washing, soaking, and mixing the beans.
Measuring cups/spoons – to measure salt, seasoning, and ingredients.
Knife and chopping board – for cutting onions and pepper.
3. Serving and Packaging Items
Serving trays – to arrange fried akara balls.
Packaging nylons or papers – for customers to take away.
Plates/cups (if you’re adding pap or custard) – for those eating on the spot.
4. Setup and Furniture
Table and benches – to arrange your items and serve customers.
Umbrella or canopy – to shield you from sun and rain.
Lantern or rechargeable lamp – if you plan to sell early in the morning or late evening.
5. Optional Add-ons (to boost profit)
Cooler/Flask – to keep pap (akamu/ogi) hot.
Bread display rack or container – if you’re selling bread with akara.
Extra small stove/pot – for frying yam, potato, or plantain alongside akara.
With these tools and equipment, you’ll be fully ready to start your akara business without stress.
Startup Capital: How Much You Need to Begin
Now, I know you want figures. Let me break it down:
| Item | Estimated Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Frying pan (big size), sieve, spoon | 15,000 – 20,000 |
| Gas or charcoal stove | 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Table, bench, umbrella/canopy | 20,000 – 30,000 |
| 25 litres groundnut oil | 25,000 – 30,000 |
| Bag of beans (shared for grinding) | 40,000 – 50,000 |
| Pepper, onions, salt, seasoning | 10,000 – 15,000 |
Total: Around ₦80,000 – ₦120,000.
Of course, if you already have some of these items, your starting cost reduces. Some people even start from home with just a small frying pan and scale up gradually.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Start Akara Business in Nigeria
Since you’re my friend, let me guide you like I would if I were setting up this business myself.
1. Choose a Strategic Location
Don’t just fry anywhere. Location is everything. Look for places where people are always in a hurry in the morning and evening:
Bus stops
Near schools or universities
In front of busy markets
Road junctions with a lot of traffic
Near estates or residential areas
The goal is to position yourself where people can quickly buy on their way out.
2. Source Good Beans and Oil
Don’t use any type of beans. Nigerians know when akara is made from poor-quality beans or cheap oil. Buy clean, stone-free beans, and always fry with fresh groundnut oil. Once customers trust your taste, they will never leave you. New Orange Market in Mararaba is the best choice for many Nigerians living in FCT-Abuja and Nasarawa state because agricultural produce are in large quantities, affordable and of good quality.
3. Prepare Ahead of Time
Soak and peel your beans at night, then grind them (or take them to the grinder) so that by 5am you’re already frying. Most customers want akara between 5:30am and 10am. If you’re not ready early, you’ll miss the rush.
4. Master the Frying Process
Your akara should look golden-brown, round, and crispy outside but soft inside. If it’s burnt, flat, or dripping in oil, people won’t buy again. Practice until you get it right.
5. Add Extras to Boost Profit
This is where smart sellers make money. Don’t sell akara alone. Pair it with:
Pap (akamu/ogi) – Many Nigerians love eating akara with pap.
Bread (especially Agege bread) – Another perfect combo.
Fried yam or potato – Gives more variety.
Custard or tea – To attract office workers.
Adding these items will increase your daily sales significantly.
6. Packaging and Hygiene
My friend, never joke with cleanliness. Nigerians are cautious about where they buy food. Always fry in a clean environment, package in white nylon or paper, and look neat yourself. Believe me, people will pay more for akara from a neat vendor.
7. Customer Service Matters
Smile, greet, and treat customers with respect. Don’t shout or look moody. Food business is as much about relationship as it is about taste.
How Much You Can Earn Daily
Now let’s talk about the sweet part — profits.
1 paint bucket of beans (₦3,500 – ₦4,000) can produce akara worth ₦10,000 – ₦12,000 when sold.
If you fry 2–3 paint buckets in a day, that’s ₦20,000 – ₦30,000 sales.
After deducting cost of beans, oil, condiments, and fuel/charcoal, you’ll comfortably make ₦10,000 – ₦15,000 profit daily.
Let’s assume you even make just ₦10,000 profit daily. In 30 days, that’s ₦300,000 monthly — more than what many office jobs pay.
Tips to Succeed in Akara Business in Nigeria
Since you’re my guy, here are my personal success tips:
Consistency is key – Don’t open today and disappear tomorrow. Be reliable so customers know they’ll always find you.
Reinvest profits – Buy beans and oil in bulk to reduce cost. The more you buy, the cheaper it gets.
Expand slowly – Once you master akara, add pap, bread, and fried yam to your stand. Later, you can even open a small food joint.
Watch competition – Check what others are doing around you. Maybe your edge will be bigger akara balls, better packaging, or faster service.
Market yourself – Don’t be shy. Call out to customers, let the smell of your akara attract people, and encourage word-of-mouth referrals.
Challenges You Should Expect
Let me not paint it all sweet — akara business has its challenges:
Heat and stress – Standing by fire every morning is not easy.
Fluctuating prices – Beans and oil prices can rise anytime.
Competition – In busy areas, you’ll see many akara sellers. You need to stand out.
Early mornings – You must wake up as early as 4am daily.
But if you’re disciplined and determined, you’ll overcome these challenges.
Final Word
Akara business may look small, but don’t underestimate it. In this Nigeria where things are hard, a daily cash business like this can sustain you and your family. With less than ₦100,000, you can start, and if you take it seriously, you’ll be earning ₦10,000 – ₦15,000 daily.
Food will never go out of demand, and akara will always remain a Nigerian favorite. If you’re truly ready, my advice is simple: don’t wait any longer — start small, stay consistent, and watch your akara business grow.
Now, let me ask you, my friend: will you take the bold step to start akara business in Nigeria, or will you keep postponing while others cash out daily?
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