Businesses You Can Do in Zambia With a Capital of K300 – K20,000 are many. In Zambia today, many people are turning to entrepreneurship as a reliable path to financial freedom. Whether you are a school leaver, stay-at-home parent, civil servant, or simply someone tired of waiting for employment, starting a small business is possible even with limited capital.
One of the serious challenges we have in Zambia is that we have thousands of youths who are not willing to work for themselves. Some have joined unacceptable ways of making money. Others are participating in gambling and scaming activities.
whenever you are willing to work never venture yourself into get rich quick schemes. Use your own mind limbs and energy to generate income. The types of businesses listed below are researched and observable in all ten (10) provinces of Zambia. Some can be done simultaneously others can only be done independently.
Choose one (1) or two (2) businesses you are comfortable with. All of these businesses are profitable than you think. Depending on your abilities and skills we are sure that you will find a suitable business for you in accordance to will.
If you have already started but you want to boost your business apply for a loan from the following institutions with low interest:
Here are profitable small business ideas you can start today within this capital range:
1. Barbershop (K1,500 – K10,000)
Barbering is a high-demand service, especially in busy neighborhoods, markets, or around schools. With a small shop, one or two clippers, and basic furniture, you can begin. As your clientele grows, you can expand to include facial grooming and hair treatment services. On a busy day you can make a minimum of K150 – K500 profits.
Basic Requirements to start a Barbershop in Zambia:
- Big Mirror (s)
- Barbing Machine (s)
- Simple office chairs
- Any kind of entertainment (Music or Video)
- lapping cloths/ towel (s)
- One room shop
2. Saloon Business (K2,000 – K15,000)
Hair styling for women (esp.) and men is always in demand. A small saloon can start with basic items like dryers, chairs, and mirrors. You can also offer additional services like braiding, pedicure, and manicure. We have witnessed Saloon owners making good profits especially when they work for themselves.
3. Open a Pre-school (K5,000 – K20,000)
If you’re passionate about education, starting a simple community pre-school is both rewarding and impactful. With funds for classroom space, furniture, teaching materials, and licenses, you can start a modest early childhood learning center.
Pre – schools are on demand in Zambia since its inception. It requires few things to set up a pre – school. Depending on how civilized a location is you can charge a school fees of between K100 – K1800 per term.
If you are a teacher not a trained teacher you can hire trained and competent teachers to do the work.
4. Poultry Farming – Especially Chicken Rearing (K1,000 – K15,000)
Broiler or village chicken rearing is a profitable venture. You can start small with 75 broiler chicks, build a simple structure, buy feed, and within 6-8 weeks start selling. This business venture is mostly suitable for general agriculture graduates. It is also important to note that chicken rearing suits all the ten provinces of Zambia and its districts.
5. Chips (Potato) Frying Business (K300 – K2,000)
Frying and selling potato chips is one of the easiest businesses to start. With a brazier, pot, cooking oil, potatoes, and salt, you can start on the roadside or at a market stand. This business is mostly done in Bus stations night clubs and bars.
6. Open a Simple Restaurant (K5,000 – K20,000)
If you can cook tasty meals, a simple restaurant can serve office workers, travelers, or market goers. The capital will go into renting a place, buying cooking utensils, furniture, and your first food stock. With restaurant businesses one of the key factors is finding the best place where you could operate from. Make sure that the place for rent is not costly beyond your budget.
7. Mobile Money Business (K1,500 – K10,000) (One of the top most Businesses You Can Do in Zambia With a Capital of K300 – K20,000)
Mobile money is booming in Zambia. With a starter float, phone, booth (or small shop), and a line registered under MTN, Airtel, or Zamtel, you can earn through commissions on withdrawals, deposits, and bill payments. Buy Kazang machine(s) and register as Super Agent. We have outlined a detailed information on how mobile money works here. As an Agent you should go further and register for Konse Konse mobile money and also understand mobile money charges and transfers and commission structures.
8. Open a Simple Bakery (K5,000 – K15,000)
You can bake scones, buns, fritters, or bread at a small scale. With an oven, mixing bowls, baking tins, and ingredients, this business can supply nearby schools, shops, and homes.
9. Photography Business (K2,000 – K18,000)
With a good second-hand camera and a small printer, you can offer instant photo services at events, schools, or ID/passport photo services. You can start with birthday and wedding photoshoots.
10. Social Media Influencer or Blogging (K300 – K5,000)
If you’re creative and love sharing tips, jokes, news, or lifestyle content, you can become a social media influencer. You’ll need a smartphone, data bundles, and consistency. With time, brands will start to approach you.
11. Selling Salaula (Second-hand Clothes) (K1,000 – K10,000)
Buying and reselling second-hand clothes (Salaula) can bring high returns. You can start with a bale or a few pieces and resell at a profit in markets or along busy roads.
12. Popcorn (Maize) Frying Business (K500 – K3,000)
Popcorn is a simple but profitable street food. With a popcorn machine, maize, oil, sugar or salt, you can set up near schools, markets, or bus stops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which business can I start with K500 in Zambia?
With K500, you can start a chips frying or popcorn business, or even begin blogging using your smartphone and internet bundle. These businesses require minimal equipment and can grow with reinvestment.
2. What business can I start with K5,000?
With K5,000 you can start a mobile money booth, photography business (basic level), or a small bakery making scones and fritters for local resale.
3. Are these businesses profitable in Zambia?
Yes. Most of the businesses listed meet everyday needs—food, grooming, money services, and education—which makes them sustainable and profitable when managed well.
4. Do I need to register these businesses?
Not always but It’s advisable to register your business with PACRA and get a tax number from ZRA, especially if you plan to scale or work with institutions. Registration gives you credibility and access to financial support.
5. Can I run more than one of these businesses?
Absolutely. For example, you can combine a mobile money booth with airtime sales or a saloon with popcorn or chips selling on the side.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few . The key is to start with what you have, be consistent, manage your profits wisely, and always improve your customer service. Entrepreneurship is not only about money—it’s about solving a need in your community.
Need help registering your business or getting started with mobile money?
Contact us for personalized support in starting and growing your business in Zambia.
