For many aspiring entrepreneurs in Africa and other developing economies, the cost of an iPhone 16 Pro Max—around $1,300—represents more than a luxury gadget. It’s a potential investment that can be used to kickstart a profitable business. With the right mindset and execution, you can turn this amount into a steady income stream. Here are 16 practical business ideas for $1,300 or less, tailored for African and third-world economies.
Apple unveiled the iPhone 16 series on September 9, 2024, with pre-orders starting on September 13 and the official release on September 20. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus feature a powerful A18 chip, a 48MP Fusion camera, an Action Button, and improved battery life. The Pro models, iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max boast larger displays, advanced camera systems, exceptional battery life, and a new AI-powered Visual Intelligence feature. These upgrades enhance productivity, enable creative visual expression, and introduce smarter Siri capabilities, all while prioritizing user privacy.
1. Mobile Money Agent Business
With the rising use of mobile payment systems like EcoCash in Zimbabwe or M-Pesa if you are in Kenya, becoming a mobile money agent is a great way to earn money. Your $1,300 can cover the initial float money, signage, and a small kiosk. The funds that you deposit help you facilitate transactions and earn a commission off the transactions that you enable.
2. Food Cart Business
Invest in a small food cart or setup to sell popular street foods like samosas, chips, or grilled maize. In many urban areas, these affordable snacks have a steady market. There has even been a rise in individuals grilling on the side of the road, although I would suggest getting proper licenses for this. Another way to execute this is by engaging companies and delivering meals during their breaks, especially call centres that have different shifts and operating times from other businesses.
3. Second-Hand Clothing
Buy a bale of second-hand clothes (commonly called “mabhero” in Shona or “mutumba” or “salaula”) and resell items individually for a profit. This business thrives in bustling markets across Africa. We can’t argue against how much of a good business this is, with various models. Others wash, iron and package them as luxury thrift items while others just let people pick from the mound of clothes. This is not locked only to extroverts but it will help to be able to sell your clothes.
4. Poultry Farming
Start with a small flock of broiler chickens, feed, and basic shelter. Within 6-8 weeks, you can sell them for meat, recouping your investment and making a profit. I personally do not have enough experience to comment, although I know this is not an endeavour without risk. Done properly this can be thoroughly rewarding. I would encourage you to be ready to really build your market beforehand as our electricity challenges would not support you keeping birds for long after you have slaughtered them.
5. Phone Accessories Shop
Smartphones are everywhere, and accessories like chargers, phone cases, and screen protectors are always in demand. Use your capital to buy inventory and set up shop in a busy area. If you can’t start in a busy area, target a remote area.
6. Small-Scale Baking
With $1,300, you can buy a small oven, baking tools, and ingredients. Start baking cupcakes, bread, or doughnuts and sell them to local stores or directly to customers. Of course, some baking skills and great customer service will go a long way. I’m sure you can take lessons and still have enough to start the business.
7. Recharge Card and Data Reselling
In many African countries, mobile data is essential, Zimbabwe is one of them. We will riot over rising data charges before rising school fees! Invest in recharge cards or data bundles to resell at a small profit. A reliable supplier and a busy location can make this lucrative. If you live in a remote area you can strive to be the known supplier. If you have time, be different, I don’t know how, but be different.
8. Farming Vegetables
Use your funds to lease a small piece of land and buy seeds, fertilizer, and irrigation tools. Vegetables like tomatoes, spinach, and onions are easy to grow and sell quickly. Someone once told me that it takes a lot of bad luck for agriculture not to pay off. Droughts are a thing but a small patch where you manage water can surely do wonders for you. I’m tempted to say $1,300 can get a borehole drilled.
9. Barbershop
Barbering is an evergreen business. Invest in a second-hand chair, clippers, and mirrors, and rent a small space. Even better if you can learn basic barbering skills yourself. As a bald man who cuts his own hair now, I can’t really comment. But younger me loved getting a good cut.
10. Laundry Service
With a washing machine and detergent, you can offer affordable laundry services to busy households or students in your area. Door-to-door pickup can add convenience. Domestic washing machines cost between $350 and $600 depending on your needs. Washing machines are not power intensive and can be supported by solar or other means of back up power. You could provide laundry services even when the neighbourhood is going through a bad powercut.
11. Event Decoration Business
Many events like weddings and birthday parties require decorations. Use your capital to buy basic supplies like balloons, ribbons, and fabric. With creativity, you can quickly grow this business.
12. Car Wash
A basic car wash setup with a pressure washer, buckets, and cleaning supplies can start bringing in income fast. Position yourself near busy roads or parking lots for maximum visibility.
13. Tutoring or Skills Training
If you have expertise in a subject or skill, use your funds to print flyers, buy a whiteboard, and rent a small space to offer tutoring or training sessions. Better yet, invest in recording and try to upload onto learning platforms. This could be great future royalties after a while of pushing.
14. Soap or Detergent Making
With basic ingredients and training, you can start producing bar soap or liquid detergent. These are daily essentials in many households, and demand is constant.
15. Photography Services
If you have an interest in photography, use your $1,300 to buy a second-hand camera or a decent smartphone. Offer photography for events like birthdays, weddings, or corporate functions. This is the new evergreen service in Zimbabwe. Competition exists in droves but with consistency you can differentiate yourself and get enough loyal customers.
16. Delivery Services
Invest in a bicycle or motorbike and start offering delivery services for groceries, parcels, or meals. With the rise of online orders, this business has significant potential. You can get a second-hand motorcycle of between $500-$700 dollars, you would likely need to spend another $100 on getting a box installed on your bike and you are good to go. Also invest in really good biker gear. Safety is important.
Conclusion
Owning an iPhone 16 Pro Max may seem glamorous, but for the cost of the device, you can launch a business that could change your life. Each of these ideas is tailored to the realities of African and third-world economies—focused on practicality, affordability, and everyday needs.
Instead of buying a luxury item, consider using your $1,300 to build a business, create jobs, and grow your income. The return on investment could far outweigh the joy of owning a high-end phone. Start small, be persistent, and watch your business thrive.
Which of these ideas resonates with you? Let us know in the comments or share your thoughts on social media!
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