Neighbourhood digital services centre: printing, online paperwork, training
Starting costs about 1,660,000 NGN in Nigeria and 421,000 KES in Kenya. After 12 months, this business can bring in about 226,000 NGN net per month in Nigeria and 36,300 KES in Kenya. The starting money comes back in about 15 months, with 45 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 250 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | 1,660,000 NGN | 226,000 NGN |
| Kenya | 421,000 KES | 36,300 KES |
| India | 212,000 INR | 26,500 INR |
| Philippines | 199,000 PHP | 21,300 PHP |
| South Africa | 67,100 ZAR | 6,520 ZAR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Many people lack a computer, a printer or the confidence to fill in online forms, apply for jobs or scan a document.
The solution
A small shop with workstations, printer, scanner and an adviser who helps with online paperwork, CVs and payments, plus beginner classes.
Your customers
Local residents, students, older people, workers without a computer, small shopkeepers.
How you make money
Printing and scanning per page, €3 to €10 per assisted procedure, hourly computer access, small-group beginner classes.
Competition
Internet cafés, stationers with photocopiers, public scribes, public digital help services, relatives who help for free.
Who has an edge
A patient, reliable and discreet person, well located near a school, market or public offices, who inspires trust.
The risks
Low revenue per customer, smartphones reducing demand, power or internet cuts, liability for personal data.
The first 3 steps
- Find busy premises near public offices or schools.
- List the twenty most requested procedures and set prices.
- Plan a battery backup for power and internet outages.
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €2,800 − costs €2,100 = €700 net per month. Revenue: 160 online procedures × €6 + €1,200 printing + 4 classes × €160. Costs: rent, paper and ink, electricity and internet, computers, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Digital services centre?
About 1,660,000 NGN (Nigeria), 421,000 KES (Kenya), 212,000 INR (India), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 250 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about 226,000 NGN (Nigeria), 36,300 KES (Kenya), 26,500 INR (India) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 15 months, with 45 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Low revenue per customer, smartphones reducing demand, power or internet cuts, liability for personal data.
Where do I start?
1. Find busy premises near public offices or schools. 2. List the twenty most requested procedures and set prices. 3. Plan a battery backup for power and internet outages.
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