In Zambia today, the road to financial independence doesn’t always require a large bank loan or deep investor pockets. With a bit of creativity, grit, and market awareness, you can start a profitable venture with modest means. Whether you live in Lusaka, Chipata, Kasama, Kitwe, Isoka, Nakonde, Mansa or a rural district, there are countless opportunities to start a small business with little capital in Zambia and grow it into a thriving source of income.
This guide breaks down the most promising low-capital business ideas for Zambians in 2025. Each idea is tailored to Zambia’s economy, consumer behavior, and local realities. If you’ve been sitting on an idea waiting for “enough money” — read on. Your opportunity might cost far less than you think.
Why Low-Capital Businesses Are Viable in Zambia
Zambia is home to a vibrant informal sector, where micro and small enterprises power local economies. With mobile money, digital marketing tools, and access to community markets, even the smallest ventures can find footing.
Here’s why low-capital businesses thrive in Zambia:
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High demand for essential goods and services
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Accessible marketplaces (physical and digital)
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Growing urban and peri-urban populations
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Mobile-first economy enabling quick communication and transactions
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Support from government and NGO empowerment programs
Top 20 Best Small Businesses to Start with Little Capital in Zambia
Each of these ideas requires less than ZMW 5,000 to start and can be scaled over time.
1. Airtime and Mobile Money Agent
The first one on the best small businesses to start with little capital in Zambia is airtime and Mobile Money Agent.
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Startup Cost: ZMW 500–1,500
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Tools Needed: Mobile phone, SIM cards, float capital
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Profit Potential: Daily commissions from transactions
With over 90% of Zambians using mobile money, becoming an agent for MTN, Airtel, or Zamtel offers daily revenue. You can combine this with airtime/data sales or operate from a kiosk.
2. Street Food Vending
Street Food Vending is another one on the best small businesses to start with little capital in Zambia.
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Startup Cost: ZMW 700–2,000
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Popular Items: Nshima & sausage, fritters, roasted maize, meat pies
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Ideal Location: Bus stops, schools, markets
Zambians love affordable, ready-to-eat meals. Even a simple charcoal stove and basic utensils can launch a profitable food stall. As demand grows, scale with delivery or social media advertising.
Meanwhile, you can also check out our guide on: Top 20 Unique Business Ideas for Rural Areas in Zambia (2025 Guide)
3. Second-Hand Clothes (Salaula) Business
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Startup Cost: ZMW 800–2,500
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How to Start: Buy a bale, clean and repackage for resale
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Best Markets: Soweto, COMESA, mobile roadside vending
Salaula never goes out of style. With smart sorting and display, you can make over 100% profit per item. Use Facebook groups or WhatsApp for quick sales.
4. Home-Based Hair Salon or Barber Shop
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Startup Cost: ZMW 1,500–3,000
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Requirements: Clippers, mirror, chair, tent or spare room
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Specialty: Kids’ cuts, braiding, dreadlocks
Personal grooming is essential. You can start small from your backyard or veranda and grow into a rented shop over time. Offer after-hours or weekend services for busy clients.
5. Farming on a Small Plot (Vegetables or Chickens)
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Startup Cost: ZMW 1,000–3,000
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Crops to Grow: Rape, spinach, tomatoes, onions
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Animals: Broilers (50 chicks), village chickens, goats
Even a backyard can yield cash. Fast-maturing vegetables and poultry give quick returns. Tap into local markets, homes, and restaurants as buyers.
6. Homemade Snacks and Pastries
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Startup Cost: ZMW 500–1,500
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Best Products: Doughnuts, fritters, meat pies, scones
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Sales Channel: Office rounds, schools, WhatsApp orders
With just flour, oil, and a pan, you can begin. Packaging well and maintaining hygiene will win customer loyalty. Reinvest profits into baking tools and bulk ingredients.
Meanwhile, you can also check out our guide on: How to Start a Small Business with Low Capital in Zambia: A 2025 Entrepreneur’s Guide to Thriving on a Budget
7. Used Phone & Accessory Sales
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Startup Cost: ZMW 2,000–5,000
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Items to Sell: Second-hand smartphones, chargers, covers, screen protectors
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Where to Source: Lusaka markets, importers, refurbished sellers
Phones are a necessity, not a luxury. Start with affordable, pre-owned models and upsell with accessories. Offer lay-bys or repairs to boost income.
8. Tutoring or Exam Coaching
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Startup Cost: ZMW 0–1,000
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Subjects in Demand: Math, Science, English, ICT
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Target: Grades 7, 9, and 12
If you have teaching skills, start a home-based or mobile tutoring service. Use printouts, WhatsApp groups, or even voice notes to support learners in your area.
9. Laundry and Ironing Service
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Startup Cost: ZMW 800–1,500
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Required Tools: Iron, washing basin, detergent
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Client Base: Working-class, students, bachelors
Many urban Zambians prefer outsourcing this task. Offer weekly or per-load packages. Deliver washed and ironed clothes neatly folded for maximum customer satisfaction.
10. Phone Repair and Tech Services
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Startup Cost: ZMW 2,500–5,000
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Needs: Tool kit, screen replacement parts, soldering gun
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Service Area: Markets, roadside booths, or home-based setups
Mobile phone usage is universal, and repairs are in constant demand. Even basic services like battery swaps and charging port fixes earn daily income.
11. Local Transport (Bicycle or Motorbike Courier)
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Startup Cost: ZMW 3,000–5,000
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What You’ll Do: Deliver packages, groceries, or fast food
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Target Users: Small businesses, working professionals, online sellers
Start as a one-person courier service. Partner with e-commerce platforms, pharmacies, or local vendors to deliver within neighborhoods.
12. Beadwork and Jewelry Making
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Startup Cost: ZMW 300–1,000
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Sales Channels: Craft fairs, Instagram, Facebook Marketplace
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Materials Needed: Beads, strings, clasps, glue
Zambians love unique cultural jewelry. Tap into the tourism and gifting market by selling handcrafted pieces with traditional flair.
13. Online Freelancing (Writing, Design, Admin)
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Startup Cost: ZMW 0–2,000
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Skills Needed: English, computer literacy, a laptop or smartphone
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Platforms to Join: Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, Toptal
If you have digital skills, the world is your market. Start offering writing, graphic design, or virtual assistant services to international clients — and earn in USD.
14. Graphic Design and Print Services
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Startup Cost: ZMW 1,500–3,000
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Tools: Smartphone/laptop, Canva or Photoshop, printer (optional)
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Clients: Small businesses, churches, schools
Design flyers, posters, business cards, and social media posts. You can operate from home and deliver digitally or via WhatsApp.
15. Soap or Detergent Making
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Startup Cost: ZMW 1,200–3,500
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What to Make: Bar soap, dishwashing liquid, floor cleaner
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Clients: Households, schools, clinics
Zambia’s hygiene-conscious consumers need affordable cleaning products. Start with family and neighbors, and expand with attractive packaging.
Meanwhile, you can also check out our guide on: What Businesses Are Profitable in Zambia? A 2025 Guide to Smart Investment Opportunities
16. Reselling Dry Foodstuffs or Groceries
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Startup Cost: ZMW 800–2,500
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Popular Items: Rice, kapenta, beans, sugar, cooking oil
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Sales Point: Roadside stalls or door-to-door
Buy in bulk and repack into smaller portions for resale. Home grocery packs are highly demanded, especially in high-density areas.
17. Mobile Photography and Content Creation
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Startup Cost: ZMW 2,000–5,000
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Tools: Smartphone with good camera, editing apps
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Markets: Events, businesses, birthdays
With a creative eye and a decent smartphone, you can capture moments and market yourself as a digital storyteller.
18. Selling Charcoal or Firewood
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Startup Cost: ZMW 500–2,000
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Ideal Zones: Urban households that use charcoal
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Bonus: Offer delivery on bicycles or carts
This traditional business remains profitable, especially in peri-urban areas. If done legally and sustainably, it can fund your next venture.
19. Plant Nursery or Seedling Sales
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Startup Cost: ZMW 300–1,500
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Items to Sell: Vegetable seedlings, fruit tree saplings, flowers
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Buyers: Farmers, homeowners, schools
With a few pots and soil, you can start propagating and selling seedlings, especially during the rainy season.
20. Braiding and Mobile Hair Services
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Startup Cost: ZMW 500–2,000
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How to Start: Offer home visits or roadside braiding
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Add-On: Sell hair extensions or accessories
Many women prefer home-based hair services to avoid salon queues. Market through referrals and before-after photos on social media.
How to Make These Businesses Work
Starting is only half the story — succeeding requires strategy. Here are quick tips:
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Start lean: Don’t spend on luxury until you’re profitable
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Use free tools: WhatsApp Business, Facebook Pages, Canva, Google Sheets
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Track money: Record every cost and income
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Market daily: Talk about your business every day — online and offline
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Reinvest profits: Buy better tools, more stock, or improve packaging
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Give value: Make sure your customers feel like they’re getting more than they paid for
Final Thoughts: Build Small, Dream Big
The best small businesses in Zambia don’t always begin in big offices or malls. They often start on mobile phones, backyard tables, roadside booths — powered by people with big visions and tight budgets.
You don’t need to wait for a miracle. Start with what you have. Test your idea. Grow it bit by bit.
Remember this Zambian truth: You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.
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