Top 10 Ways to Make Money in Zambia Right Now

1. Mobile Money Agent Business: Low startup costs with steady income potential
2. Urban Farming: Growing high-demand vegetables for restaurants and markets
3. Digital Freelancing: Using your skills in writing, design, or programming online
4. Real Estate Investment: Residential rentals in growing neighborhoods
5. E-commerce: Selling products through Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram
6. Tourism Services: Tour guides, transportation, or accommodation for visitors
7. Government Securities: Treasury bills and bonds for stable returns
8. Content Creation: YouTube, TikTok, or blogging with local focus
9. Skilled Trades: Electrical work, plumbing, and construction specialties
10. Financial Services: Insurance sales, mobile banking agents, and fintech solutions

The kwacha’s not stretching like it used to. If you’re looking for ways to make money in Zambia this year, you’ve got options beyond the crowded job market. Let’s cut straight to what works in 2025.

I’ve tested these money-making methods myself and seen others succeed with them. Some need startup cash, others just require your time and effort. Skip the get-rich-quick nonsense – these are practical ways real Zambians are earning money right now.

Starting a Business: Promising Sectors in Zambia

Starting your own business remains one of the most reliable paths to wealth creation in Zambia. Here are some of the most promising sectors to consider:

Agricultural Businesses

Agriculture continues to be a cornerstone of Zambia’s economy. The beauty of agricultural businesses? They come in all sizes.

Consider these profitable agricultural ventures:

• Value-added processing: Turn raw agricultural products into processed goods with longer shelf life and higher margins
• Urban farming: Small-scale vegetable growing near urban centers can be surprisingly profitable with minimal land
• Agricultural inputs supply: Selling seeds, tools, and equipment to farmers
• Cold chain solutions: Providing storage and transport for perishable goods

Joseph Mulenga from Lusaka started with a small urban garden growing tomatoes and herbs. “I began selling to just a few restaurants,” he says. “Now I supply over 20 businesses weekly and employ three people. The key was reliability and quality.”

Mobile Money and Financial Services

Zambia’s mobile money sector is booming. With increasing adoption of digital payment solutions, there’s room for entrepreneurs to create businesses around these services.

Opportunities include:

• Mobile money agent operations: Becoming an agent for services like Airtel Money, MTN Mobile Money, or Zamtel Kwacha
• Digital payment solutions: Creating apps or services that integrate with existing mobile money platforms
• Financial literacy education: Teaching others how to effectively use digital financial tools

Tourism and Hospitality

As tourism recovers, this sector offers multiple entry points for entrepreneurs. Zambia’s natural beauty and wildlife remain major draws for international visitors.

Consider:

• Local tour guide services: Offering specialized local experiences
• Vacation rentals: Converting property into short-term rental accommodations
• Tourism-related e-commerce: Selling authentic Zambian crafts and souvenirs online
• Travel content creation: Creating guides, videos, or blogs about Zambian destinations

Making Money Online in Zambia

The internet has opened up countless ways to make money without leaving your home. Here are some proven digital income sources that work well in the Zambian context:

Freelancing and Remote Work

Global remote work continues to grow, creating opportunities for skilled Zambians to work for international clients at competitive rates.

Popular freelancing options include:

• Content writing: Creating articles, blog posts, and marketing materials
• Graphic design: Designing logos, marketing materials, and social media graphics
• Web development: Building and maintaining websites
• Virtual assistance: Providing administrative support remotely
• Translation services: Especially for local language pairs

Chanda Mwamba, a Kitwe-based freelance graphic designer, shares: “I started on Upwork with just a basic portfolio. Now I make more than double what local jobs were offering. The trick is building a solid profile and delivering exceptional work to get those first few positive reviews.”

Content Creation

Content creation has become a legitimate income source for many Zambians:

• YouTube: Creating videos about topics you’re knowledgeable about
• Blogging: Writing about niche topics and monetizing through ads and sponsorships
• Social media influence: Building an audience on platforms like Instagram or TikTok
• Podcasting: Creating audio content about trending topics or niche interests

To monetize content effectively, focus on consistency and audience building before attempting to earn through ads, sponsorships, or digital products.

E-commerce and Online Selling

Selling products online has never been easier, with multiple platforms available:

• Facebook Marketplace and groups: Excellent for local selling with minimal setup
• Instagram shop: Perfect for visual products like clothing or crafts
• WhatsApp Business: Great for building a customer base through direct messaging
• Dedicated online store: Using platforms like Shopify or local alternatives

What sells well? Clothing, electronics, beauty products, and homemade food items are consistently popular in the Zambian online market.

Investment Opportunities in Zambia

If you have some capital to work with, these investment avenues could help grow your wealth:

Real Estate

Real estate remains a solid investment in Zambia, especially in growing urban areas:

• Residential rentals: Providing housing in high-demand areas
• Commercial property: Office spaces or retail locations
• Land banking: Purchasing undeveloped land in areas projected for growth
• Property flipping: Buying undervalued properties, renovating, and selling at a profit

The key to successful real estate investment is location research. Areas with improving infrastructure or near educational institutions often show good appreciation.

Government Securities

For lower-risk investments, consider:

• Treasury bills: Short-term government securities (91, 182, or 364 days)
• Government bonds: Longer-term securities with regular interest payments

These investments provide relatively safe returns and can be a good foundation for your investment portfolio.

Stock Market

The Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE) offers opportunities to invest in Zambian companies:

• Bank stocks: Financial institutions often offer dividends and growth
• Consumer goods companies: Businesses selling everyday products tend to be stable
• Telecommunications: Companies providing essential communication services

“Start small and reinvest your dividends,” advises financial consultant Mwila Nkonde. “The compound growth over time can be remarkable, even from modest beginnings.”

Skills Development for Better Income

Sometimes the best investment is in yourself. These skills are in high demand and can significantly increase your earning potential:

Digital Skills

• Coding and web development: In high demand both locally and internationally
• Digital marketing: Helping businesses reach customers online
• Data analysis: Making sense of information to help businesses make decisions
• UI/UX design: Creating user-friendly digital experiences

Many of these skills can be learned online through free or affordable courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or YouTube.

Entrepreneurial Skills

• Financial management: Understanding how to track, allocate, and grow money
• Marketing and sales: Attracting and converting customers
• Project management: Efficiently bringing initiatives from concept to completion
• Negotiation: Getting favorable terms in business dealings

Trade Skills

Don’t overlook practical trades that remain in constant demand:

• Electrical work: Particularly with focus on solar installation
• Plumbing: Essential services for homes and businesses
• Construction: Specialized construction skills command premium rates
• Auto mechanics: Especially with knowledge of modern vehicle systems

Finding Funding for Your Ventures

Have a great business idea but lack capital? Consider these funding sources:

Microfinance Institutions

Several microfinance institutions in Zambia provide small loans for business purposes:

• FINCA Zambia
• Bayport Financial Services
• Izwe Loans

These organizations often have less stringent requirements than traditional banks.

Government Programs

The Zambian government offers various funding initiatives through:

• Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC)
• Youth Development Fund
• Women’s Empowerment Fund

These programs often combine funding with training and mentorship.

Angel Investors and Venture Capital

For innovative startups with high growth potential:

• BongoHive’s investment network
• Zambian Angel Investors Network
• Regional venture capital firms with interest in Southern Africa

These investors typically look for scalable business models with potential for significant returns.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Making money in Zambia comes with its fair share of challenges:

Limited Access to Capital

• Solution: Start small and reinvest profits, explore partnership models, or consider pooling resources through cooperative arrangements

Bureaucratic Hurdles

• Solution: Budget for compliance costs, network with others in your industry to learn from their experiences, or consider working with a business consultant who understands local regulations

Market Size Limitations

• Solution: Consider export opportunities, explore e-commerce to reach broader markets, or create innovative solutions that can scale beyond Zambia

Final Thoughts: Building Sustainable Wealth in Zambia

Making money in Zambia in 2025 is absolutely possible with the right approach. The most successful earners typically combine multiple income streams rather than relying on a single source.

Whether you choose entrepreneurship, investing, freelancing, or skill development, the key is to start with what you have and build consistently. Focus on solving real problems for people or businesses, and the money will follow.

Ready to transform your financial situation? Start with one idea from this guide today. Even small steps, when taken consistently, lead to significant results over time.

What money-making strategy will you try first? Whatever you choose, the best time to start is now!