Zimbabwe’s entrepreneurial landscape is evolving rapidly. Despite economic challenges, there are lucrative opportunities for smart business owners who identify high-demand niches and deliver quality solutions. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an existing business owner looking to diversify, knowing which sectors are thriving in 2025 can guide your next move.
Here are the top 10 most profitable small businesses in Zimbabwe right now, along with why they’re succeeding and what makes them worth exploring.
1. Poultry, Vegetable & Horticulture Farming
Agriculture remains the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy. Small-scale poultry farms, backyard vegetable gardens, and horticulture ventures are in constant demand. Chicken, eggs, and fresh produce are essential staples — and supplying them locally can yield excellent profits with relatively low startup capital.
Key to success: Efficient farm management, quality feed, and consistent production. Urban households and restaurants rely heavily on dependable suppliers.
2. Agro-Processing & Value-Added Agriculture
Turning raw produce into processed or packaged goods can significantly boost profit margins. This includes canned vegetables, fruit juices, dried produce, and packaged nuts. With growing demand for ready-to-use products and opportunities for local export, value-added agriculture is one of the most promising sectors.
Tip: Ensure quality control, proper storage, and consistent supply to build trust with buyers.
3. Renewable Energy & Solar Products
Frequent power outages make solar and renewable energy solutions a necessity. From solar lamps and panels to off-grid installation services, businesses in this sector are booming. With the right partnerships and technical know-how, entrepreneurs can serve both households and small businesses seeking reliable energy.
Success factor: Reliable after-sales support and installation expertise set successful providers apart.
4. Mobile Phone Repairs & ICT Services
With smartphones and devices everywhere, mobile repair shops and ICT support services are always in demand. These businesses have low overhead and can scale quickly, making them highly profitable.
Pro tip: Speed, quality, and fair pricing are essential to retain repeat customers.
5. Food & Catering Services
From home-based bakeries to street food and catering for events, the food sector continues to thrive. Zimbabweans love convenient, affordable, and tasty meals — and there’s a strong market for innovative offerings like healthy snacks or specialty baked goods.
Tip: Focus on hygiene, consistency, and attractive packaging to differentiate yourself.
6. Second-Hand Clothing (Thrift / “Mabhero”)
Affordable clothing is always in demand, especially in urban and peri-urban areas. By sourcing quality second-hand clothes and selling them at reasonable prices, entrepreneurs can enjoy steady profit margins.
Key: Sorting items carefully, smart pricing, and reliable supply are critical to success.
7. Cleaning & Maintenance Services
Home and commercial cleaning services are increasingly outsourced in Zimbabwean cities. From household cleaning to office maintenance, this recurring service generates consistent revenue with relatively low investment.
Tip: Reliability, trustworthiness, and professionalism attract long-term clients.
8. E-Commerce & Digital Services
The digital economy in Zimbabwe is growing fast. Small businesses need websites, online stores, and digital marketing to stay competitive. Offering web design, hosting, email solutions, or online sales platforms is a smart move — and it’s highly scalable.
Opportunity for Tremhost clients: Combine hosting, web design, and support services to help businesses go online effortlessly.
9. Delivery, Courier & Logistics Services
As online shopping grows, so does the demand for reliable delivery. Entrepreneurs can tap into last-mile logistics, transport goods from sellers to buyers, and offer courier services for both individuals and businesses.
Success factor: Punctuality, trust, and good customer communication are key to winning clients.
10. Eco-Friendly Fuel & Alternative Energy Products
With rising fuel costs and energy challenges, eco-friendly fuel solutions like charcoal briquettes or alternative fuels are in demand. Businesses that produce or distribute sustainable, affordable fuel are meeting a critical need while earning steady profits.
Tip: Position your product as eco-conscious and cost-effective to attract both households and small businesses.
Why These Businesses Work Now
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High-demand essentials: Food, energy, clothing, and communication remain non-negotiable.
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Low-to-moderate startup costs: Most of these businesses can start small and scale gradually.
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Digital potential: Several ideas can be enhanced with online platforms, increasing reach and efficiency.
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Flexibility & resilience: These sectors remain profitable even during economic fluctuations.
How Tremhost Can Help Entrepreneurs Thrive
At Tremhost, we empower Zimbabwean entrepreneurs by providing affordable hosting, professional email, and web solutions that help small businesses succeed online. From e-commerce stores to digital marketing services, we make it easier to grow your business while staying competitive in the digital age.
Ready to start your profitable venture? Whether it’s agriculture, tech, or services, Tremhost is here to provide the digital backbone your business needs to thrive.
