Earning money in Zambia like anywhere else depends on your skills, resources, and network. Fortunately earning money doesn't always need a qualification, you need to start and figure out what works for you.
Since anyone needs money, this post will explain the various ways on how to earn money online or physically doing one or two things.
To start with, here are some realistic and profitable ways to earn money in Zambia today:
1. Agribusiness
Zambia has vast arable land and a growing demand for food.
- Start small-scale farming (vegetables, maize, chickens, goats).
- Sell to local markets, hotels, or export (if you scale).
- Beekeeping, mushroom farming, and fish farming are high-margin niches.
2. Mobile Money & Airtime Business
Set up as an MTN, Airtel, or Zamtel agent.
- You can earn through commissions on transactions.
- It’s low-cost to start and doesn’t require formal qualifications.
3. Freelancing (Online)
If you have digital skills (writing, graphic design, programming, social media), you can earn USD online.
- Join platforms like Kwork, Fiverr, Upwork, or Toptal.
- Zambia has decent internet, and remote gigs pay more than local jobs.
4. Tutoring & Skills Training
If you're good at a subject (maths, English, ICT) or a skill (welding, tailoring, carpentry):
- Offer private lessons or short courses.
- Market via social media or WhatsApp groups.
5. Buy & Sell (Trading)
Zambians love convenience and good deals.
- Sell second-hand clothes (salaula), gadgets, or farm produce.
- Source from wholesale markets, import from China, or buy locally in bulk and resell.
6. Construction Side Hustles
If you’re skilled in plumbing, tiling, or carpentry, there’s strong demand for home improvement services.
- Start with small contracts, build your reputation, then scale up.
- Team up with local hardware shops for referrals.
7. Content Creation
You can earn money via:
- YouTube (monetize with ads and Zambian brand deals)
- TikTok (build a following, get paid promotions)
- Blogging or affiliate marketing
It takes time, but it’s scalable and global.
8. Transportation Services
Own a car, motorbike, or even a bicycle?
- Do Bolt or Yango driving
- Start a delivery service
- Run a local shuttle or school transport route
9. Real Estate Hustles
If you can get land or property:
- Build boarding houses for students
- Rent out rooms or space (e.g., on a short-term basis)
- Partner with people with capital and manage the properties
10. Small Manufacturing
Simple products like:
- Detergents
- Peanut butter
- Homemade snacks
These have growing demand. Sell at markets, schools, or on Facebook.
Steps to establish online business in Zambia
Starting an online business in Zambia is very doable even with a small budget. Here’s a step-by-step guide that cuts the fluff and gets to what you really need to do:
STEP 1: Pick the Right Business Model
Choose something people will actually pay for. Here are a few proven models in Zambia:
- E-commerce (selling products via WhatsApp, Facebook, website)
- Freelancing (offering services like writing, design, web dev)
- Digital products (eBooks, online courses, stock photos)
- Affiliate marketing (earning commissions by promoting others’ products)
- Content monetization (YouTube, TikTok, blogs)
Pick one based on your skills, interests, and target market.
STEP 2: Register Your Business (Optional but Smart)
You can operate informally, but for credibility and access to payment platforms:
- Register with PACRA as a business name or limited company
- Get a TPIN from ZRA
- Open a business bank account
STEP 3: Set Up Your Online Presence
Minimum setup:
- Facebook Business Page (most Zambians are on Facebook)
- WhatsApp Business (for inquiries, orders, customer service)
- Instagram or TikTok (if your business is visual or product-based)
- Optional: Website (use Wix, WordPress, or Shopify for e-commerce)
Make sure your brand name, logo, and contact info are consistent across platforms.
STEP 4: Accept Payments
Use platforms that are Zambian-friendly:
- MTN MoMoPay, Airtel Money, Zamtel
- Kazang or 543 Konse Konse
- FNB or Zanaco for online payments with bank cards
- For global sales: use PayPal or Paystack (if targeting clients outside Zambia)
STEP 5: Find Customers
Don’t wait for people to find you. Go get them.
- Join and post in Facebook groups related to your niche
- Run low-cost Facebook or Instagram ads (target by location, interests)
- Build a WhatsApp broadcast list and status marketing
- Offer promos or free content to attract first-time buyers
STEP 6: Deliver Value & Build Trust
- Offer fast response times and reliable service
- Showcase testimonials and reviews
- Create content (videos, tips, tutorials) to build authority
- Keep customers updated with new offers or products
STEP 7: Scale Up
Once you’re making consistent sales:
- Invest in better branding and automation (chatbots, email lists)
- Start sourcing in bulk or offering packages
- Partner with influencers or affiliates
- Launch paid ads strategically
