Zimbabwe's job market is one of the most challenging in Africa. While thousands graduate from universities and colleges every year, only a fraction secure formal employment. According to ZIMSTAT and World Bank data, over 80% of Zimbabweans work in the informal economy—running small businesses, side hustles, or providing services without formal contracts.
In this environment, side hustles are not just "extra income" – they're often a lifeline. This article explores how young Zimbabweans, especially recent graduates and school leavers, can build sustainable livelihoods through informal work, even with little capital.
Understanding the Informal Economy in Zimbabwe
The informal economy includes all income-generating activities not regulated or taxed by the government. This can include everything from selling airtime, tailoring, or baking cakes to fixing phones or tutoring students.
In Zimbabwe, informal work has become the main source of income for the majority:
📊 Key Statistics:
- The World Bank estimates that over 85% of Zimbabwe's workforce operates informally.
- Formal employment has declined due to company closures, downsizing, and economic instability.
- Most Zimbabweans survive through "makorokoza,""" "side hustles," or "projects."
The upside? You don't need a degree, job title, or office to start. But success takes hustle, creativity, and consistency.
Benefits of Side Hustles
✅ Low entry cost
Many side hustles require little or no startup capital.
✅ Independence
You're your own boss—you decide what you sell and how to grow.
✅ Skill development
Running a side business builds marketing, budgeting, and communication skills.
✅ Income generation
Even small daily sales can cover essentials like rent, food, or data.
✅ Path to formal business
Many successful companies today started as hustles.
Low-Cost Side Hustle Ideas for Youth and Graduates
You don't need money to start. You need resourcefulness. Here are 10 ideas you can start for less than US$30 or for free:
| Hustle Idea | What You Need | Key Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Reselling airtime/data | Smartphone & Econet/NetOne agent SIM | Communication, record-keeping |
| Home tutoring | Subject knowledge, WhatsApp/Zoom | Teaching, patience |
| CV writing | Word app, Canva, grammar | Writing, presentation |
| Mobile laundry services | Buckets, detergent, time | Discipline, time management |
| Mobile photography | Smartphone with good camera | Editing, creativity |
| Selling snacks (maputi, jiggies) | US$5 to restock | Math, customer service |
| Thrift reselling (clothes) | Starter bundle from mabhero | Trend awareness, marketing |
| Farming small crops | Space, seeds (tomatoes, spinach) | Patience, care |
| Freelance writing | Basic English and a phone | Writing, research |
| Braiding/Makeup | Skills (learn on YouTube), small kit | Beauty, customer service |
| Trading/Forex | Smartphone, internet, trading app | Analysis, risk management |
| Kubika sadza | Cooking skills, basic utensils | Food prep, time management |
Tips for Making Your Side Hustle Work
✅ Start small, start smart
Don't wait for the "perfect" time. If you have one customer, treat them like royalty.
✅ Use WhatsApp and Social Media
- Start a WhatsApp Business account (it's free).
- Post pictures, prices, reviews.
- Use Facebook groups like "Zim Business Ads," "Harare Hustlers," etc.
✅ Keep track of your money
- Use a notebook or app to track income and expenses.
- Reinvest small profits into better tools or marketing.
✅ Offer quality and consistency
People pay for trust. Always deliver what you promise.
✅ Learn new skills online
Free platforms like:
- Coursera
- Alison
- eFundoConnect
- YouTube
These can teach you customer service, digital marketing, bookkeeping, and more.
Balancing a Side Hustle With Job Hunting or School
Side hustles don't mean giving up on career goals. They can support you while you apply for jobs, study, or do attachments.
Tips:
Set fixed hours: E.g., bake only in the morning, study in the afternoon.
Use evenings or weekends for your hustle.
Combine both: Use your hustle to build your CV. Say: "Built a small business serving 30+ monthly clients while studying full-time."
Employers value initiative and time management.
Should You Register Your Hustle?
While most informal hustles in Zimbabwe are unregistered, you can:
Register a small business with ZIMRA and ZIMRA eServices if you want to open a bank account or work with formal suppliers.
Register a Private Business Corporation (PBC) through ZIMRA.
Use EcoCash Merchant Codes or Mukuru Smart Remit for smoother payments.
Formalization brings access to tenders, bank loans, and official recognition.
Overcoming Challenges in the Hustle Life
Common Problems:
Common Challenges:
- Low capital
- Harsh economy
- Competition
- Burnout
- Skeptic customers
Solutions:
Collaborate: Share transport, packaging, or customers.
Be honest: Build trust and offer consistent quality.
Adapt: If baking doesn't work, try snacks or airtime.
Keep going: Success takes time. Don't give up in week 1.