In Zimbabwe, starting a business can be very rewarding. Moreover, the country’s growing economy and business-minded environment make it easier and beneficial for startups to start developing their business in Zimbabwe. While large businesses often win in the competition, small startups and businesses show unique opportunities for youth business owners to thrive. Whether you’re looking to capitalize on local markets, use your skills, or contribute to community development, Zimbabwe offers various options to explore. 

In this article, we will learn about 5 small business ideas that are not only beneficial but also aligned with the ongoing trends and demands in Zimbabwe. You will learn a brief on why and how to invest in these sectors, as well as some examples of existing businesses. Whether you’re a first-time business owner or an experienced professional wanting new challenges, these ideas give a solid structure to turn your passion into profits.

A. Overview of Entrepreneurship and Small Business in Zimbabwe

B. 5 small business ideas – Agribusiness, Fashion and Textile, Tourism, Catering, Mobile money, and Digital Service

1. Agribusiness 

• Why and how to invest in the agribusiness sector?
• Some examples of existing agribusinesses

2. Fashion and Textile 

• Why and how to invest in the fashion and textile sector?
• Some examples of existing fashion and textile businesses

3. Tourism

• Why and how to invest in the tourism sector?
• Some examples of existing tourism businesses

4. Catering

• Why and how to invest in the catering sector?
• Some examples of existing catering businesses

5. Mobile Money and Digital Service 

• Why and how to invest in the mobile money and digital service sector?
• Some examples of existing mobile money and digital service businesses

Business and startup development in the country of Zimbabwe face various challenges and are also presented with many opportunities. The country has a creative and vibrant business spirit, with many individuals finding ways to solve economic problems and limited job opportunities. Small businesses play an important role in Zimbabwe’s economy by contributing to employment, innovation, and the supply of goods and services. Key sectors for small business success include agriculture, retail, manufacturing, and services. Demand for services and products is higher, particularly in the urban areas of Zimbabwe. 

However, businesses often face problems such as access to financing, a high inflation rate, and a poor power supply. The Zimbabwean government took various programs to support small businesses, such as grants, loans, and business training. Despite all these challenges, the increasing usage of digital technologies, more usage of mobile payments, and e-commerce has opened new ways for the growth of the economy. Small businesses are establishing mobile money services to offer convenience and efficiency. Business owners who are resourceful, creative, and smart about their local markets can thrive in this environment. In conclusion, while business in Zimbabwe requires a bit of innovation and challenges, it holds crucial potential for those who can scan the economic landscape and capitalize on emerging trends.

1. Agribusiness
2. Fashion and Textile
3. Tourism
4. Catering 
5. Mobile Money and Digital Service

Why Invest in the Agribusiness Sector?

1. Zimbabwe’s diverse climate and fertile soils support a wide range of crops and livestock, giving a solid foundation for different agricultural businesses.
2. The government had given policies to give power to farmers, including land ownership that allows farmers to use land as security for loans, increasing financial accessibility.
3. For example, Zimbabwe’s cotton is known worldwide for its quality, thanks to handpicking methods that ensure safe, free produce, making it a tough competitor to beat in international markets.
4. Performing sustainable practices like maggot farming has proven good for business owners, reducing production costs and impact on the environment, while providing high-protein feed for livestock.
5. Agribusiness offers huge employment opportunities, especially for the youth, contributing to economic development and a skilled workforce.
6. Opportunities exist for joint businesses with established commercial farmers and the Agricultural Rural Development Authority, facilitating investment in the sector.
7. There is a potential to bring back industries such as spinning and weaving within the cotton value chain, increasing the capacity utilization and boosting production.

How to Start Investing in AgriBusiness?

1. Research the market and understand the demand for specific agricultural products in the local areas and markets near you, and what is trending.
2. Choose a specific field and see whether you want to focus on crop production, livestock, agritech, or any other field related to this sector.
3. Create a good business plan, giving importance to production processes, financial projects, and strategies for marketing.
4. Seek financial support through savings, loans, grants or investors.
5. Obtain necessary licenses and permits by ensuring compliance with local rules and regulations, including business registration and farming permits.
6. Invest in equipment, land, or even different services. Using technology will further boost this point’s productivity.
7. Build good relationships with local marketers, retailers, or export partners.

Case Studies:

• Nhema Chickens: A famous poultry company specializing in breeding and supplying day-old roadrunner chicks.

• Nyanga Trout Farm: A fish farm producing plate-sized trout, fillets, and smoked trout products that are available in leading supermarkets across the entire country.
• Little Blackwood Farm: A livestock farming operation run by a group of graduates, producing butternuts, tomatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, peppers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and pork.

Why Invest in the Fashion and Textile Sector of Zimbabwe?

1. The country of Zimbabwe is a huge cotton producer, giving easy access to important materials for textile manufacturing.
2. Zimbabwe shows a highly educated population with a history in textile production, ensuring a readily available skilled workforce.
3. Different types of strategies, such as offering incentives to local textile producers and prohibiting the import of second-hand clothing, aim to enhance the textile industry.
4. Zimbabwe has a strategic location within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which offers access to a bigger regional market for textile products.
5. Efforts are being made to enhance Zimbabwe’s clothing, textile, footwear, and leather industries, signaling a supportive environment for new businesses.

How to Start Investing in the Fashion and Textile Sector of Zimbabwe?

1. Analyze ongoing trends, consumer behaviors, and the competition in the fashion and textile industry.
2. Finding your specific niche by focusing on a specific field or product, like clothing, accessories, or textiles. Eco-friendly or custom design are good choices for specific fields.
3. Create a business plan by prioritizing product offerings, target markets, financial goals, and marketing strategies.
4. Creating creative, unique designs, and source materials, and establishing good terms with manufacturers or setting up production processes.
5. Develop a strong brand identity by designing a logo, style, and support.
6. Establish online stores, physical outlets, or work with retailers and utilize social media to increase your reach.
7. Focus on quality customer service and effective return and exchange policies.

Case Studies

• Zimbabwean Sunshine: Dedicated to using art, skill, and crafts to tell the stories of Zimbabwe and its people, focusing on positive textiles in new artworks.

• J-Sabelo: Specialized in designs inspired by traditional Ndebele symbols and organic forms, with a focus on sustainability.
• Char Designz: Specialized in self-expression through sustainable fashion, offering customization of textiles and repurposing features.

Why invest in the tourism sector of Zimbabwe?

1. The country of Zimbabwe has many widely known sites like Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, attracting tourists all around the globe.

2. The government of Zimbabwe promotes tourism through the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, offering incentives and giving support to new businesses in the sector.

3. Zimbabwe’s third-largest sector is the Tourism sector, marking its significant role in the country’s national economy.

4. Projects show strong growth in tourist arrivals, with expectations to reach pre-pandemic levels by 2025.

5. Tourism development helps local businesses, creates demand for goods and services, and generates employment opportunities within the communities.

How to Start Investing in Zimbabwe’s Tourism Sector?

1. Understand the market, particularly the travel trends, types of tourists, and the specific tourism needs in local areas, including your own.
2. Select a field by deciding if you want to work on eco tourism, cultural tourism, adventure tourism, luxury travel, etc.
3. Map out the target audiences, pricing, partnerships, and marketing strategies by building a business plan.
4. Obtain all necessary permits and licenses to operate.
5. Collaborate with different hotels, tour guides, transport companies, and local attractions.
6. Create online awareness by advertising through social media and increase your reach.
7. Offer unique experiences, such as tailored niche activities or tailored routes.

Case Studies:

1. Lokuthula Lodges (Victoria Falls): A family friendly self catering club, smaller than big hotels but popular with tourists.

2. Cuckoo Safaris: A small-scale tour operator offering budget-friendly tours and custom travel packages.

3. Falcon Safaris Transfer: A small shuttle service gives transportation routes from Victoria Falls to nearby attractions.

Why invest in the catering sector of Zimbabwe?

1. The catering industry of Zimbabwe is known as a profitable business with opportunities to generate significant income.
2. Starting a catering business needs relatively low capital investment, making it usable for many entrepreneurs.
3. Zimbabwe’s food market is estimated to grow by 8.44% between 2025 and 2030, marking a rising demand for food-related services.
4. Zimbabwe’s online food delivery sector is expected to grow by 6.39% from 2025 to 2029, showing opportunities for caterers to enter this type of market.
5. Catering businesses can serve various types of events, from small local gatherings to large functions, allowing for a big client base.
6. In 2009, the introduction of multi-currency was established in Zimbabwe. Since then, the country’s economy has stabilized, benefiting industries like hotels and catering.
7. The demand for catering services is increasing daily in Zimbabwe, driven by various social and corporate events.

How to Start Investing in the Catering Sector of Zimbabwe?

1. Research and select your field, decide on the type of catering services you want to offer, such as weddings, corporate functions, or even private parties.
2. Create a detailed and functional business plan that includes services offered, menu options, target markets, and financial estimations.
3. Obtain the necessary licenses, health inspections, and insurance for food-related businesses.
4. Invest in cooking and serving equipment, vehicles for supply transportation and delivery, and also packaging supplies.
5. Design a nice menu with creative designs that align with your field and clients.
6. Develop a strong brand identity, including website, logo, styles, social media presence, etc.
7. Build relationships with event planners, consumers, corporations, and other businesses for readily available work.

Case Studies:

1. Amazulu Catering: Specializing in wedding and corporate catering, they offer full-service buffets and traditional meals.
2. Gava’s Restaurant: Famous for its Zimbabwean cuisine, serving traditional dishes like   sadza and nyama.
3. The Burger Shack: A renowned food truck business selling gourmet burgers in different trending cities and locations.

Why invest in the Mobile Money and Digital Service sector of Zimbabwe?

1. Zimbabwe’s mobile penetration rate exceeded 96% as of December 2024, giving a substantial user base of various mobile money services.
2. Mobile money platforms have greatly helped people in rural areas and communities who were largely unbanked, offering access to expenses such as bill payments, merchant payments, and airtime purchases.
3. The E-Commerce market of Zimbabwe is estimated to grow by 19.07% between 2025 and 2029, reaching a total market volume of $2.05 billion in 2029.
4. Mobile money services give easier usage, convenience, and the ability to cut multiple costs, making them attractive to both consumers and businesses.
5. The government of Zimbabwe has prioritized investment in the country’s ICT (Information and Communication Technology) sector, enhancing digital infrastructure and creating a suitable environment for digital businesses.
6. Mobile money is said to be a good alternative for reducing the physical distance between employees and their employers for salary payments, allowing individual costs to be covered, thereby benefiting small and medium-sized businesses. This also allows employees to avoid doing much physical work, benefiting their own health.

How to start investing in the Mobile Money and Digital Service sector of Zimbabwe?

1. Research different mobile payment solutions and platforms that are available in your region.
2. Create a suitable business plan that explains all the services you will provide, such as remittances, bill payments, or mobile wallets, and assess revenue models.
3. Partner and choose an established mobile money service provider or fintech companies
4. Ensure that your business follows local financial regulations, including anti-money laundering laws and customer protection standards.
5. Invest in the necessary tools that will benefit your business, such as mobile phones, SIM cards, both online and offline channels.
6. Advertise your services to individuals, investors, businesses, and communities through online and offline channels.
7. Offer a variety of customer support with efficient workers and educate people on how to use mobile money correctly and effectively. 

Case Studies:

1. EcoCash: EcoCash is the leading mobile money platform in Zimbabwe, offering mobile financial services such as money transfers, bill payments, etc.
2. Signature Services: Instant mobile money transfer, bill payments, and access to a wide range of financial services.
3. OneMoney: OneMoney is a mobile financial service provider in Zimbabwe backed by the mobile operator One Communications. It offers mobile money services pretty much the same as EcoCash.
4. Signature Services: Easy mobile-to-mobile payments and money transfers within Zimbabwe.
5. Telecash: Telecash is a mobile money platform operated by TelOne. It provides various mobile payment services, including airtime top-ups, money transfers, and bill payments.
6. Signature Services: Easy usage mobile money services that help customers in both urban and rural regions.

To learn about investment opportunities and guidelines to invest in Zimbabwe and many more, you can read Investment Opportunities and Guidelines: Your Guide to Invest in Zimbabwe.

In conclusion, Zimbabwe offers many small business opportunities that can grow significantly with the right tactics and mindset. From agriculture to technology, the potential for growth and innovation is significant, especially with the rising demand for locally produced goods and services. By seeing the market gaps of local markets, using the resources correctly, and shifting their strategies to consumer needs, investors and business owners can build businesses that contribute to the economic development of Zimbabwe. While challenges like economic downfall and access to appropriate finance remain, with determination and proper planning, small businesses in Zimbabwe have the potential to prosper and play an important role in the country’s economy.