5 Easy Businesses to Start in Zimbabwe

Starting a business in Zimbabwe may seem challenging given the country’s economic conditions, but with the right idea and strategy, you can create a successful venture with minimal capital. Whether you’re looking to enter the informal sector or establish a small formal business, there are plenty of opportunities available. In this article, we explore five easy business ideas that are relatively low-cost, scalable, and suited to Zimbabwe’s market needs.

1. Poultry Farming

Poultry farming is one of the most profitable and accessible businesses to start in Zimbabwe. The demand for chicken and eggs is high, as they are staple foods in most households. This business requires relatively low capital, and you don’t need a large farm to get started. You can begin small, even from your backyard.

Why It’s Easy to Start:

• Low Startup Costs: You can start with a small number of chickens, and the setup (coop, feed, and waterers) doesn’t require a large upfront investment.

• High Demand: Chicken is consumed in nearly every home, and eggs are used daily. There is a constant demand in both urban and rural areas, so finding customers is easier.

• Scalability: Once you have established a small poultry business, you can easily scale by increasing the number of chickens and branching into supplying eggs to local grocery stores, restaurants, or hotels.

Tips for Success:

• Start with broilers (for meat) or layers (for eggs), depending on your target market.

• Learn basic poultry care and invest in good feed and proper housing to ensure healthy chickens.

• Establish relationships with local markets, butcheries, and food vendors for bulk sales.

2. Retailing Secondhand Clothes (Bhero Business)

Secondhand clothes, also known as "bhero," have long been a popular business in Zimbabwe. Selling secondhand clothes is an easy way to start a small retail business with minimal capital. Many Zimbabweans buy secondhand clothes because they are more affordable than brand-new clothes.

Why It’s Easy to Start:

• Low Investment: You can start with as little as a bale of clothes from a wholesale supplier. The initial cost is low, and you can sell clothes for a significant markup.

• Flexibility: You can sell your clothes at flea markets, on street corners, or even from your home. Many people are also using social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook to sell secondhand clothes online.

• Quick Turnaround: Since clothes are a necessity, customers are always looking for affordable options, making it easy to sell your inventory and reinvest in new stock.

Tips for Success:

• Source high-quality secondhand clothes from wholesalers, focusing on items that are in demand, such as children’s clothes, jackets, or shoes.

• Build a customer base by offering affordable prices and promoting your stock through social media or at local markets.

• Stay updated on fashion trends to know what items will sell quickly.

3. Bakery Business

Starting a small bakery from home can be an excellent way to make money, especially if you love baking. Bread, cakes, and pastries are always in demand in Zimbabwe, making a bakery business a promising venture. You can begin by selling to your neighbors, friends, or local vendors.

Why It’s Easy to Start:

• Low Startup Costs: All you need to begin are basic baking ingredients, a reliable oven, and a few baking tools. You can start small with simple products like bread rolls, scones, or muffins.

• High Demand: Baked goods are a daily staple, especially bread. Many small shops and vendors are looking for freshly baked products, and there’s also demand for special occasion cakes.

• Profitability: Baked products typically have a good profit margin, as the cost of ingredients is relatively low compared to the selling price.

Tips for Success:

• Start with a few simple baked goods and gradually expand your product range based on customer demand.

• Develop relationships with local vendors, schools, or cafes that may be interested in bulk purchases of bread or pastries.

• Invest in quality ingredients and ensure consistent quality to retain customers.

4. Transport Business

The transport business is another lucrative opportunity in Zimbabwe, especially in urban areas where public transport is in high demand. If you have a vehicle or can acquire one, starting a transport service can be a profitable venture.

Why It’s Easy to Start:

• Versatility: There are various options to explore within the transport business, including operating a kombi (minibus taxi), offering private taxi services, or running a delivery service for goods.

• High Demand: Many people rely on public transportation for daily commuting, while businesses need reliable delivery services for their goods. Additionally, with the rise of online shopping, there’s an increasing demand for courier services.

• Flexible Hours: You can operate your transport service on your own schedule, allowing you to cater to peak times like early mornings and late afternoons.

Tips for Success:

• Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and complies with local licensing requirements.

• Build a reputation for reliability and punctuality to attract repeat customers.

• Consider working with e-hailing services like Vaya or Bolt to increase your customer base.

5. Mobile Phone Repair and Accessories Business

Mobile phones are essential for communication and business in Zimbabwe, but smartphones can be expensive to replace. Offering phone repair services is a smart business idea because many people would rather repair their phones than buy new ones. Additionally, selling phone accessories such as chargers, screen protectors, and cases can boost your income.

Why It’s Easy to Start:

• Low Startup Costs: You don’t need a large investment to start repairing phones. Basic tools and equipment for common repairs (like screen replacements or battery changes) are affordable.

• Steady Demand: With the increasing number of smartphone users, there’s always a demand for phone repairs and accessories. People are constantly looking for affordable repairs or replacements for damaged parts.

• Multiple Revenue Streams: In addition to repairs, you can sell phone accessories, offering customers a one-stop shop for all their mobile needs.

Tips for Success:

• Take a basic phone repair course or learn the trade through online tutorials to become proficient in fixing common issues.

• Set up shop in a busy area like a market or near bus terminals where foot traffic is high.

• Stock popular phone accessories to increase your profit margins.

Conclusion

These five business ideas are easy to start and offer great potential for success in Zimbabwe’s current economic environment. Whether you decide to start small with poultry farming or explore the retail sector by selling secondhand clothes, the key is to start with what you have and grow your business gradually. By focusing on providing value to your customers, maintaining high-quality standards, and adapting to market needs, you can build a thriving business in Zimbabwe.