In an economy where every dollar counts, the desire for an extra stream of income is more than just an ambition—it’s a necessity. The good news is that you don’t need a hefty bank loan or a wealthy benefactor to start building your own enterprise. With a bit of ingenuity, hard work, and a starting capital of less than $50, you can launch a practical, low-cost, and low-risk side hustle.
This guide explores seven tangible business ideas tailored for the Zimbabwean context, focusing on sourcing, simple pricing, and navigating the realities of a multi-currency environment.
1. Airtime & Data Reselling
This is a classic for a reason: it’s simple, in constant demand, and requires minimal space.
- The Idea: Buy airtime and data bundles in bulk at a slight discount and sell them to your neighbours, colleagues, or at a busy spot in your community.
- Startup Cost Breakdown:
- Float (initial airtime/data stock): $40 – $45
- Basic Supplies (notebook for records, small sign): $5
- The Zim Angle:
- Sourcing: Purchase bulk airtime directly from network providers (Econet, NetOne, Telecel) or established distributors.
- Pricing: Your profit lies in the small commission offered on bulk purchases. The key is volume.
- Payments: Be ready to accept both USD and ZiG. Having an EcoCash number is essential for seamless transactions.
2. Thrift Flipping (“Bhero”)
The market for quality second-hand clothing is booming. With a good eye, you can turn pre-loved items into profit.
- The Idea: Buy bales (or portions of bales) of second-hand clothes, wash and iron them, and resell them individually.
- Startup Cost Breakdown:
- Stock (a small bale or a selection of items): $25 – $30
- Transport from market: $5 – $10
- Washing supplies & presentation: $5
- The Zim Angle:
- Sourcing: Mbare Musika in Harare and other local markets are the go-to spots for “mabhero”. Go early for the best selection. You can also source from garage sales and auctions.
- Pricing: Price items individually based on quality and brand. Create bundles like “3 for $2” to move stock faster.
- Marketing: Use WhatsApp Status and Facebook Marketplace to showcase your best items. Good presentation is key.
3. Homemade Peanut Butter (Dovi) Production
Peanut butter is a staple in Zimbabwean households, and many people prefer the taste and quality of homemade versions.
The Idea: Produce fresh, natural peanut butter and sell it in your local community.
- Startup Cost Breakdown:
- Raw Materials (shelled groundnuts, salt/sugar): $20
- Grinding Service Fee (initially): $10
- Packaging (reusable jars, bottles, lids): $15
- The Zim Angle:
- Sourcing: Buy high-quality groundnuts from places like Mbare Musika.
- As you grow, you can source directly from farmers in regions like Murehwa and Mutoko to increase profits.
- Pricing: Peanut butter is often sold in 375ml jars. Price competitively with local producers, emphasizing your product’s freshness.
- Growth: Start by using a local grinding mill, then invest in your own machine as your business expands.
4. Hair Braiding & Basic Styling
If you have a talent for hair, you can turn it into a flexible, service-based hustle.
- The Idea: Offer hair braiding and basic styling services from your home or by making house calls.
- Startup Cost Breakdown:
- Basic Tools (combs, clips, spray bottle): $15
- Initial Products (gels, oils, small stock of braiding fibre): $25
- Portfolio: $0 (use your phone to take pictures of your work)
- The Zim Angle:
- Marketing: Word-of-mouth is powerful. Start with friends and family. Create a WhatsApp or Facebook page to display your work.
- Pricing: Research what other local braiders are charging. Offer a small discount for first-time clients or referrals.
- Payments: Be clear about your pricing upfront. Accept mobile money and cash.
5. Printing, Photocopying & Document Services
In many communities, access to a printer or photocopier is limited. This is a valuable service, especially near schools or government offices.
- The Idea: Offer basic printing, photocopying, and document scanning services.
- Startup Cost Breakdown (assuming you have a basic laptop/computer):
- Used 3-in-1 Printer: $40 – $50 (look for deals online or in downtown tech shops)
- Initial Supplies (ream of paper, ink cartridge): Can be part of the initial $50 or the first expense after a few sales.
- The Zim Angle:
- Location: Your success depends on visibility. If you can’t afford a dedicated spot, advertise with a clear sign outside your home.
- Pricing: Charge per page. Keep your prices competitive with internet cafes.
- Expansion: Add services like CV typing, document formatting, and laminating as you grow.
6. Social Media Management for Tuckshops & Small Traders
Many small, local businesses know they need to be online but lack the time or skills.
The Idea: Manage the WhatsApp and Facebook presence for local tuckshops, salons, or tradespeople.
- Startup Cost Breakdown:
- Your Smartphone & Data: ~$10
- Canva (for design): Free version is sufficient
- The Zim Angle:
- The Pitch: Approach a local business owner and offer a free one-week trial. Show them how you can create simple graphics for their daily specials, post consistently, and engage with customer inquiries.
- Services: Offer to manage their WhatsApp for Business account, create a simple Facebook page, and post daily updates.
- Pricing: Charge a small monthly retainer, for example, $20-$30 per client. This is a high-value, low-cost service that can scale quickly.
7. Fresh Vegetable Packs
Convenience is a powerful selling point. Many people want fresh vegetables without the time-consuming trip to the market.
- The Idea: Buy popular vegetables in bulk, create convenient daily or weekly packs, and sell them in your neighbourhood.
- Startup Cost Breakdown:
- Initial Vegetable Stock: $30
- Packaging (eco-friendly bags or plastics): $5
- Transport: $10
- The Zim Angle:
- Sourcing: Wake up early and head to Mbare Musika for the best wholesale prices on tomatoes, onions, leafy greens (covo, rape), and other staples.
- Pricing: Calculate the cost per pack and add a reasonable markup. Offer different sized packs (e.g., a “relish pack” for $1, a weekly family pack for $5).
- Marketing: Use a WhatsApp group for your street or neighbourhood to post what’s available each day and take pre-orders.
Your Next Step
Starting small is not a weakness; it’s a strategy. Each of these ideas allows you to test the market, build your skills, and grow your capital organically. The key is to begin.
