South Africa is beautiful, with warm weather, friendly people, and unique culture. When it comes to business, there are many profitable small business ideas in South Africa that you can start and make a decent monthly income. You can earn between R285,905 and R1,285,905 from some of these business ideas. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most profitable small business ideas and how easy it is for foreigners to start their businesses in South Africa. We also shared profitable small business ideas in Ghana and Nigeria.
What We Covered In This Article
How easy is it to start a business in South Africa?
South Africa is one of the easiest countries to start a business in. There are many available resources, support, and opportunities for small businesses to grow.
How can a foreigner start a business in South Africa?
You need a business license to start a business in South Africa. If your company is registered as a sole proprietorship, then the government imposes no taxes on it. However, suppose the company has more than one owner or employees and operates as an incorporated entity (i.e., limited liability). In that case, they will be subject to income tax on profits earned from their activity when they file their returns with Revenue SA once every two years after 31 December of each year (i) In case of corporations that have been registered before 1 February 1967 and have paid annual dividends during the past five years.
30 Profitable Small Business Ideas in South Africa
Here’s a categorized list of the best 30 profitable business ideas in South Africa.
Digital and technology business ideas
The digital world is full of opportunities. Starting a technology-related business is a quick way to build a profitable business because many other businesses are looking for ways to integrate technology into growing their business.
#1. Chatbot development
Chatbots are programs that simulate human conversation. They’re great for customer service and help you respond to questions about products or services in real time without hiring extra employees. Chatbots are an excellent option for small businesses because they can be integrated into your existing website or app, allowing you to provide customers with better chat experiences than before (and saving money simultaneously). Starting a chatbot-building business requires technical skills, but you could generate $40,000 – $150,000 in revenue from this business. You can learn to build chatbots with online platforms like Wotnot
#2. Content creation (blogging, YouTube, SEO, translation)
Price Range: $10,000 – $20,000
Content creation is a way to make money if you have a skill or interest in writing and publishing. You can start a blog, write for websites, create videos, and so on.
#3. Website and graphics design
Price Range: $5,000-$10,000
A website is a crucial part of any business. It’s your face and needs to be professional-looking and easy to use. Some things to consider when designing your website:
What makes a good website design? You need:
- A clean layout that is skimmed (hardly any scrolling)
- Clearly labeled sections with intuitive navigation menus and links
#4. Virtual assistance
Price Range: $2,000 – $6,000
Virtual assistance is a business idea used to help with many different types of businesses. It’s similar to virtual call centers and virtual assistants but uses software instead of physical human beings. Virtual assistants provide services like answering customer questions and providing technical support over the phone or through email.
#5. Digital marketing and social media management
Price Range: $6,000 – $10,500
Digital marketing and social media management are two of the most popular business ideas in today’s market. They both have unique benefits, making them highly appealing to entrepreneurs.
Professional services business ideas
As a small business owner, your options are limited. However, there are many ways that you can start up your own business and make money while you’re at it! Here’s a list of different types of services that an entrepreneur can offer:
#6. Consultancy business (financial, business, tax, digital, and others)
Price Range: $10,000 – $50,000
A consultancy is an organization that provides advice and services to clients. The word “consultant” is used in many countries to describe client and consultant relationships. In some cases, it refers specifically to financial advice; in others, it is used more generally for any advice or service a consultant company offers. Consultants may also refer to themselves as “consultative because they provide both consulting services and products/services sold as part of their business model.
#7. Laundry services
Price Range: $50,000
Laundry services are a growing industry from home, van, or shop. They also offer the opportunity to work for yourself and set your hours.
#8. Daycare
Price Range: $10,000 – $50,000
Daycare is an excellent career for people who want to work in the field but don’t have any experience. You need to have good references and be able to provide proof of your qualifications. You’ll also need to have your paperwork in order before starting your business.
#9. Interior Designing
Price Range: $500 – $21,740
Interior designing is a service that an individual or a firm can offer. It involves the planning, designing, and constructing of a building’s interior architecture. Interior designers are required for residential and commercial spaces, so you will have to hire them to get started in this field.
#10. Architecture firm
Price Range: $11,015+
Architecture is a field of study that involves the creative and technical application of both the visual arts and sciences to the built environment. Architects are involved in the design and oversee the construction of buildings, public spaces, museums, parks, monuments, trails, gardens, and other structures. They also consult on interior design projects such as interiors for offices or stores; residential architecture like townhouses; commercial buildings such as banks or hospitals; industrial facilities including factories and offices; schools ranging from elementary to university level institutions.
Agribusiness ideas
Agribusiness is the business of producing crops and other agricultural products. It also includes the processing, marketing, and distribution of its goods.
#11. Arable farming and food processing
Price Range: $17,000 – $50,000
Arable farming and food processing are two of the most important agricultural sectors in the world. They are essential in feeding people and generating income for farmers, but they also significantly impact the environment.
Arable farming is land cultivation for growing crops (excluding grazing animals). The term arable can be used interchangeably with “cultivated” or “cultivated land”, although it usually refers specifically to farmland used for growing crops or other types of plants. This includes cropland (land cleared from forests) and rangeland (grassland). It also includes different ecosystems such as wetlands, coastal areas covered by saltwater marshlands or mangroves, etc.
#12. Animal farming business
Price Range: $10,000 – $50,000
An animal farm is a business that produces animals for food or other purposes. It can be a slaughterhouse, where animals are killed and processed into meat and other products; it can also be an incubator for eggs or milk, where the baby animals are kept until they are ready to leave the facility; or it could even be something as simple as raising chickens on your property.
#13. Agro-processing business
Price Range: $5,000 – $30,500
Agro-processing business is a good idea if you are interested in the food industry. It is a profitable, growing business because so many people need processed foods.
There are many different kinds of agro-processed products, such as:
- Puffed wheat
- Flour made from maize (corn) starch or wheat starch
- Corn oil pressed from corn kernels that have been dried and ground into meal
#14. Storage facility
Price Range: $11,000 – $16,000
A storage facility is a place where goods are stored. You can use this building to store your agricultural products, food, and equipment.
#15. Agro equipment sales
Price Range: $5,000 $20,000
Agro-equipment sales is a business that involves handling the sale of agricultural equipment and machinery. This can be anything from small farming tools to large-scale tractors, harvesters, and other machine tools used in agriculture.
Agro-equipment sales is an integral part of any agribusiness because it helps you make money from your products by providing them with the best possible means for their use.
Consumer services business ideas
The service industry is the largest and most diverse sector in the United States economy. Services make up over 70% of all jobs and generate more than $2 trillion annually. There are many different types of services businesses, including those that provide transportation or entertainment and household goods delivery services like Amazon Prime and Walmart Pickup.
#16. Catering services and meal delivery platforms
Price Range: $7,000 – $15,500
Catering services are a great business idea if you’re a food lover and can cook. You can start your own catering business with a small investment and deliver food to customers, or they can come to your restaurant.
#17. Fitness trainer (massage, spas)
Price Range: $1,000 and $5,000
A fitness trainer provides personal training to clients. They can help you lose weight, increase your strength and endurance, or improve your body’s flexibility and posture. This is a great business idea if you want to get started in the health and wellness field. You’ll need some equipment (such as treadmills, free weights) that costs between $1,000 and $5,000 depending on how fancy it is; then you’ll need space at least 100 square feet wide by 150 feet long with good lighting (not too dark). A reasonable start-up budget would be around $20 per hour for the first few months until you build up your client base so that prices go down as more people become regulars at this type of spa/spa services company.
#18. Moving services
Price Range: $1,000 – $6,000
Moving services are a good business idea because they’re both easy to start and scalable. You can start with a small van, but as you grow your business, you’ll be able to hire movers to help move more things at once. You could also offer packing services for customers who don’t want their items damaged during transport; this is especially helpful if you’re moving from one apartment or house into another building without changing the layout of the rooms (for example).
#19. Videography and Photography
Price Range: $5,000 – $10,000
This industry is for you if you love documenting every moment in people’s lives. Whether it’s a wedding or an anniversary, photographers and videographers have plenty of opportunities to get involved. You can also specialize in events and parties—you may find that your skillset is an excellent fit for this industry.
#20. Personal shopper
Price Range: $35,615
A personal shopper is a business that helps people find the right clothes, shoes, and other items. They can do this by either calling you on the phone or coming to your house.
A personal shopper’s main tasks are to:
- Search out items that match what you’re looking for in terms of style, color, and quality.
- Please bring these items back to your home for inspection so you can decide whether or not they’re appropriate for yourself; and
- Return any defective goods as soon as possible, so they don’t pile up on their shelves (or yours).
Technical service business ideas
The best business ideas for service businesses are those that provide a service that people will pay for. For example, a computer repair shop is an excellent idea if you know how to fix computers and have access to the equipment needed. However, if your computer knowledge is lacking, this is not a good idea as people might not want their computers repaired by someone who knows less about them than they do.
#21. Electrical repair shop
Price Range: $20,000 – $30,000
Electrical repair is a highly paid skill, but there aren’t many people who can do it. If you’ve got your heart set on electrical work, start by getting some training in electrical theory and practice. You’ll need to know how electricity works to fix problems and repairs confidently.
#22. Auto repair shop
Price Range: $67,200 – $225,500
In the auto repair business, customer service is key to success. You must provide good customer service to keep your customers returning and encourage them to refer you to others they know who need services. Suppose you don’t have a good reputation with customers, and they don’t trust you with their cars. In that case, they won’t recommend you when someone else does come along looking for an auto mechanic—and no one will want their car taken care of by someone who doesn’t treat others fairly or respect them as human beings (or even worse).
#23. Plumbing services
Price Range: $6,325 – $8,150+
Plumbing services is a broad term that encompasses many types of work, including sinks and showers, toilets, faucets, and water heaters. This type of service is provided in residential or commercial settings.
#24. DJ Services
Price Range: $4,400 – $28,800
DJ services are a great business idea for those who love music. DJs are hired for weddings, parties, corporate events, and more. They also offer karaoke entertainment at private parties or clubs. Becoming a DJ may be the best option if you want to do something different with your life.
#25. Computer training academy
Price Range: $22,880 – $79,454
A computer training academy is a business that teaches people how to use computers. This is done through classes and workshops or by providing one-on-one instruction.
Before starting this business, you need to have some computer knowledge, but it’s not too hard if you have the right equipment. You can rent or buy used machines (or even new ones). The main thing is that they are running smoothly and have good batteries, so they will last as long as possible without needing repairs or maintenance work done on them.
Real estate business idea
The real estate business is an excellent opportunity if you have the skills and experience. Some of the more profitable real estate business ideas to consider are:
#26. Facility management company
Price Range: $30,000 – $50,000
Facility management refers to the services provided by a company that aims to improve the overall quality of life for its clients. This could include cleaning, maintaining, and repairing buildings and other structures. Facilities managers also manage information systems like databases or websites used for their services.
#27. Tour guide
Price Range: $19,267+
You can be a tour guide in your, and you can be one in other cities. For example, if you’re interested in the history of New York City, then you could start by teaching tourists about that. If you’re more interested in Parisian history and culture, then instead of focusing on New York City’s history and architecture (which would have been pretty cool to do), why not start teaching people about life in France?
#28. Waste management
Price Range: $36,727
Waste management is a growing industry, especially in urban areas. You can start a waste management business by buying a truck and getting a license, or you can offer waste collection services, which include taking out the trash from customers’ homes and businesses. If you have experience with this type of work, this could be an ideal way to make money while helping others recycle their garbage responsibly.
#29. Become a landlord
Price Range: $19,267
You will be responsible for finding and maintaining the property as a landlord. You’ll need to make sure that it’s safe and clean, so you can’t only use your own home as an example here.
Consider hiring a property manager specializing in managing rental properties to help with this task. A good candidate might charge around $100 an hour or more for their services (which is reasonable).
#30. Flip property
Price Range: $30,000 – $60,000
If you want to turn a property around and make a profit, this is the business for you. You can buy a house at auction or find other houses on the MLS (multiple listing service) or real estate websites.
If your goal is to flip properties, then there are two ways of doing this:
- Buy a home and renovate it yourself until it sells for more money than what you paid for it; or
- Find someone else who’s willing to pay more than what they originally paid for their house for them to sell it themselves and make money from both ends (the seller gets their home back).
Summary
There are many different business ideas to start in South Africa. All that matters is your idea and how well it fits with the local market. Start by researching what kind of businesses are already doing well in your area, then research whether or not there are any similar ideas already existing so that you don’t end up competing head-on with someone else who might already have started something similar (and done better). And finally, remember: it may take time before starting up your new venture pays off, but eventually, everything will come together just right.