If you're looking to start a small business in Zambia with a capital of K5,000 and aim for daily returns of K20-K50 (or K500-K1,000 a month), there are plenty of opportunities with relatively low overhead costs. Here are some ideas that have worked for others, along with practical steps to get started:
1. Street Food Vending
Street food vending is one of the most accessible and profitable small businesses in Zambia, thanks to the country's love for quick and tasty snacks. Busy places like bus stops, markets, or schools provide the perfect environment to sell popular items such as chicken giblets (ifishimu) or fried snacks.
What You Need:
Start with basic equipment like a small gas stove, a frying pan, cooking oil, and fresh ingredients. All these can be sourced affordably and are easy to transport to your chosen selling spot.
Advantages:
Street food vending requires minimal capital and offers quick returns. With the right location, such as areas with heavy foot traffic or near bars during evenings, you can consistently sell your food. Plus, the flexible hours allow you to run this business part-time or alongside another job.
Pro Tip:
Position yourself near high-traffic areas in the evenings when people are hungry and relaxed. Ensure your food is fresh, tasty, and prepared under hygienic conditions to encourage repeat customers. A friendly attitude will go a long way in building a loyal customer base.
2. Fashion and Perfume Business
If you have an eye for style, selling fashion accessories or perfumes can be a profitable venture. There is a growing demand in Zambia for unique, affordable, and high-quality items.
What You Need:
Source trendy but affordable fashion items like handbags, or perfumes. You can use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok to market your products without needing a physical shop. This helps you save on overhead costs.
Advantages:
Fashion and perfumes don’t expire, so there’s minimal risk of wastage if sales are slow. With a good selection and the right marketing strategy, you can attract customers who are willing to pay for exclusivity and quality.
Pro Tip:
Sell perfumes at competitive prices to attract a wide range of customers. Leverage free marketing by creating videos or posts showcasing your products on social media. Building trust through excellent service and genuine products can transform your small business into a sustainable source of income.
3. Seasonal Clothing Sales
The rainy season in Zambia creates a high demand for weather-appropriate clothing like jackets, raincoats, and sportswear for women and children. This is a seasonal business that you can capitalize on with the right planning.
What You Need:
Source a variety of jackets, raincoats, and sportswear in popular sizes from wholesalers at places like Soweto or Kamwala Market. A small selection with trendy options will appeal to customers, especially if you sell in high-traffic areas.
Advantages:
Seasonal items often sell quickly because the demand is high for a limited period. Additionally, purchasing in bulk from wholesalers allows you to keep costs low and profit margins healthy.
Pro Tip:
Advertise your products as "must-haves" for the rainy season to create urgency. Offering affordable prices while maintaining quality will set you apart from competitors.
4. Rabbit Farming
Rabbit farming is an increasingly popular agricultural venture in Zambia due to its low maintenance costs and quick reproduction rates. It’s a great option for those who have space and enjoy animal husbandry.
What You Need:
Set up a small pen or cages for your rabbits. Start with a few healthy rabbits and invest in basic supplies such as food and water containers. Rabbits are easy to feed and care for, and their upkeep costs are relatively low.
Advantages:
Rabbits breed quickly, meaning your stock can multiply within months, providing a consistent supply. Rabbit meat is lean and has a growing market, particularly among health-conscious consumers and certain restaurants.
Pro Tip:
Before starting, do thorough research on rabbit care and breeding techniques. Proper hygiene will ensure the health of your rabbits, leading to higher returns.
5. Selling Freezits
With Zambia’s hot climate, freezits are always in demand, especially during the scorching summer months. This is a simple and affordable business idea that can cater to families, schools, and individuals in your community.
What You Need:
Invest in a chest freezer and freezit packaging materials. If electricity is a challenge, consider using a solar-powered freezer or partnering with a reliable source for freezing services.
Advantages:
The production cost for freezits and ice blocks is minimal, and they are always in demand during hot weather. Children, families, and even small shops in your neighborhood can become regular customers.
Pro Tip:
If power outages are frequent in your area, consider investing in solar backup systems to keep your freezer running.
6. Plant Sales
Selling plants is a simple yet rewarding business, especially if you target the right market. Many expatriates and residents in wealthy neighborhoods appreciate greenery in their homes or offices, making them an ideal customer base.What You Need:
Start by sourcing plants from local nurseries or even collecting them from rural areas where they are readily available. Invest in presentable pots to enhance the visual appeal of your plants. You don’t have to go overboard; even simple, well-cleaned pots can be attractive if paired with healthy, well-maintained plants.
Advantages:
Plants are generally low-maintenance. You won’t need to spend much on their upkeep aside from watering and perhaps occasional fertilization. Moreover, the profit margins can be significant, especially when selling to high-income customers who are willing to pay a premium for convenience and quality.
Pro Tip:
When pricing, always start on the higher side, particularly in wealthy neighborhoods. People in these areas often expect to negotiate, so a higher initial price allows room for bargaining while still ensuring a good profit. Additionally, offering a variety of plant options, such as flowering plants, succulents, or even herbs, can appeal to a broader customer base.
7. Motorbike Delivery Services
The demand for delivery services in Zambia has skyrocketed as more people rely on online shopping, food delivery, and courier services. With a motorbike, you can tap into this growing market and start earning from day one.
What You Need:
A reliable motorbike is essential. If your capital doesn’t fully cover this, consider alternative options like saving more, leasing, or starting with a second-hand bike. You’ll also need a good sense of direction or a smartphone with GPS for efficient deliveries.
Advantages:
Operating a delivery service has several benefits. First, the demand is constant, especially in urban areas where businesses and individuals need quick, reliable delivery solutions. Second, running the business yourself eliminates the need for additional staff, keeping costs low and profits high.
Pro Tip:
Partner with small businesses like restaurants, pharmacies, or online shops in your area that need delivery services but don’t have their own logistics. Build trust by being reliable and punctual, as this will help you secure repeat clients. Additionally, offering competitive rates without compromising on quality service can set you apart from other delivery services.
These business ideas are rooted in practicality and require dedication and effort, but they offer potential for steady growth and income in Zambia.
8. Printing Services
With businesses increasingly looking for affordable ways to promote themselves, offering a custom printing service can be a profitable idea.
What You Do:
Approach smaller businesses on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or go to them small in person (going there physically will even be better). Offer services like custom t-shirts, banners, posters, or branded materials for their shops or events. Get the printing done by the most affordable printing companies in your area (there are many budget-friendly options across Lusaka and Copperbelt). Deliver the printed materials to clients and add your commission on top of the printing costs.What You Need:A smartphone for reaching out and designing. Basic knowledge of graphic design software like Canva (free or low-cost). A small transport budget to deliver orders.Advantages:Low start-up cost since you don’t need to own printing equipment. Flexible and scalable – you can take orders based on your capacity. Opportunity to build long-term relationships with businesses, leading to repeat orders.Pro Tip:Always deliver high-quality products on time to build trust. Word of mouth is powerful, and satisfied clients can refer more customers to you!
9. Poultry Farming
What You Do:
Start by raising broiler chickens, which are bred specifically for meat production. Broiler farming is a relatively fast-paced business, with each cycle taking 6–8 weeks. In a small space, such as a backyard or rented plot, you can raise 20–50 birds, depending on your starting capital. Once they reach market weight (around 2kg), sell them to local households, restaurants, or at markets. You could also supply live chickens to traditional butcheries or sell directly to customers in your community. Here’s how your investment costs might include:
Buying Chicks , Feed, Vaccines and Medication, Housing: If you don’t already have a structure, set up a simple chicken coop using local materials. Ensure proper ventilation and safety from thieves, Utilities: A small budget for lighting and water, as chicks need warmth during the first few weeks.
Daily Operations:
Feed the chickens twice a day and ensure they have constant access to clean water. Regularly clean the place to maintain hygiene and prevent disease outbreaks. Monitor the health of the birds closely. Quick action is necessary if any show signs of illness.
Why It Works:
Chicken is a staple food in Zambia, popular across all demographics and often featured in traditional and modern dishes. The demand for broiler meat is consistent throughout the year, with spikes during festive seasons like Christmas, Easter, and Independence Day celebrations. Moreover, broiler farming is scalable. Once you’ve mastered the process with a small batch, you can reinvest your profits to expand your operations, introduce free-range chickens for diversity, or even venture into layer hens for egg production.Stay Consistent: Keep track of expenses and income to know when to reinvest or cut back on unnecessary costs. Learn About Disease Control: Attend workshops or use online resources to stay updated on poultry farming best practices.Pro Tip:
*Start small, grow steadily, and before long, your poultry business could become a major source of income.
10. Rechargeable Lamp and Solar Product Sales
What You Do:
Start a small business selling rechargeable lamps, solar-powered lights, and portable power banks. These products are in high demand, especially in areas experiencing frequent load-shedding or limited access to electricity. You can target residential neighborhoods, market stalls, and even offices where lighting solutions and backup power are essential.
Daily Operations:
Product Sourcing: Purchase stock in bulk from trusted suppliers locally. Consider starting with locally available items to avoid high shipping costs.Sales Channels:Markets: Set up a stand in busy local markets to reach people shopping for home essentials.Door-to-Door Sales: Offer products directly to households in areas affected by power outages.Why It Works:
Load-shedding is a widespread issue in Zambia, affecting households, businesses, and students. Rechargeable lamps and solar lights provide a cost-effective, reliable solution to keep homes lit during power outages. Additionally, solar power banks help people charge their phones and other small devices, which is crucial for staying connected during blackouts.
Tips for Success:
Choose Quality Cheap Products: Invest in durable, reliable items which are cheap (This is the hardest part). You may find cheaper prices on Black Friday/Christmas/Easter sales in some shops.Understand Your Market: Identify areas most affected by load-shedding or those with limited access to electricity. These communities are your biggest customers.Bundle Deals: Offer packages, such as a lamp and power bank combo, to encourage higher spending per transaction.Create Awareness: Many people are unaware of the benefits of solar-powered products. Educate your customers through demonstrations.Start Small: Begin with affordable, fast-moving items.
What You Do:
Set up a small stall selling essentials like milk, soft drinks, bread, and snacks in a busy area such as near a bus station, market, or residential area. This type of business is easy to manage and perfect for hot seasons when people crave cold drinks and quick snacks.
Why It Works:
In Zambia, kantembas are a go-to for everyday items. With the intense heat, especially during the dry season, cold drinks and snacks become even more in demand. Additionally, milk in cartons like Finta and other long-life dairy products don’t spoil easily, making them ideal for a kantemba business where refrigeration might be limited during power outages.
Daily Operations:
Stock Up: Purchase stock from wholesalers.Chill Your Stock: Refrigerate your drinks at home overnight and transfer them to the cooler box for sale during the day.Strategic Selling:Set up near places with heavy foot traffic (e.g., bus stops, schools, clinics).Target lunch hours or late afternoons when people are most likely to buy.Consistency: Always keep your stall stocked with cold drinks. Ensure the milk and snacks are fresh to build customer trust.Advantages:
Low Overheads: You don’t need a big space or fancy setup to run a kantemba.High Demand: With Zambia's heat, cold drinks are a daily necessity for many people. Snacks and drinks are popular among students and workers too.Tips for Success:
Cold is Gold: Keep your drinks cold. If electricity is an issue, use plenty of ice in your cooler box.Engage Customers: Be friendly and engage with your customers. Word of mouth can bring in regular buyers.Adapt to Demand: Pay attention to what sells quickly and adjust your stock accordingly. For example, during the rainy season, add tea sachets or instant coffee to your items.Expand Slowly: As profits grow, you can expand to sell other essentials like bread, eggs, or airtime.
Final Thoughts
Starting a business, no matter how small, is always a leap of faith. The ideas shared here are meant to inspire and guide you towards making your money work for you, rather than letting it sit idle. Yes, there’s always a risk—every investment carries some uncertainty. But doing nothing with your money is also a risk because it loses value over time due to inflation. Remember 10 years ago (2014) when bread was ZMW 5 and now its ZMW 20. Money loses value if you just keep it. By taking a calculated risk and starting small, you give yourself the chance to grow financially and learn valuable skills along the way.
Remember, these business ideas are not guarantees of success or riches overnight. Building a sustainable business takes effort, planning, and adaptability. What works in one area may not work in another, so be willing to tweak your approach based on the needs of your community. Start small, learn as you go, and reinvest your profits wisely to grow your venture.
Zambia is full of opportunities for those who are willing to step out of their comfort zones. Instead of fearing failure, focus on the lessons you’ll learn and the possibilities you’ll uncover. After all, even the most successful entrepreneurs started somewhere. If not now, then when?
So, take that first step, whether it’s setting up a mobile money booth, selling plants, or opening a small kantemba. The journey might not be easy, but it’s worth it. And who knows? Your small business today could grow into something much bigger tomorrow. Also remember this new website I am trying to build here once you become successful, mention us on ZNBC.
Good luck on your journey, and always remember: If you never try, you’ll never know!