Starting a business from home in Ethiopia is an excellent way to generate income with minimal investment. Many Profitable Business in Ethiopia can be started with low capital and effort, making them accessible to a wide range of people. Whether you’re skilled in a craft or looking to start a service-based business, there are plenty of opportunities to explore.
With the right idea, you can tap into local demand and build a profitable home business. The beauty of these ideas is that you don’t need a large initial investment to get started. Keep reading to discover 20 practical and low-cost physical business ideas that could work for you in Ethiopia.
20 Easy and Profitable Business in Ethiopia with Low Investment
Home Cleaning Service
Introduction: Many people prefer hiring cleaning services for convenience.
Details: You can start a home cleaning business with minimal investment, offering services like dusting, vacuuming, and washing. All you need is basic cleaning supplies like mops, brooms, and detergents. You can promote your business locally to attract customers.
Laundry and Ironing Service
Introduction: Laundry services are always in demand, especially in urban areas.
Details: Offering a laundry and ironing service from home requires little investment. You only need washing machines, detergents, and an iron. Start by catering to neighbors or local businesses, and expand your customer base through word-of-mouth.
Home-Based Bakery
Introduction: Baking from home is a low-cost business that requires creativity.
Details: If you enjoy baking, you can start a small bakery business at home, selling bread, cakes, cookies, or pastries. Invest in baking tools and ingredients, and market your products locally or online. You can expand by offering custom orders for birthdays and events.
T-shirt Printing
Introduction: T-shirt printing can be profitable with minimal investment and creativity.
Details: Start a custom t-shirt printing business from home by investing in a heat press machine and blank t-shirts. You can design and print personalized t-shirts for events, businesses, or fashion. Marketing your designs on social media can attract more customers.
Crafting and Handmade Products
Introduction: Handmade crafts like jewelry or home décor are in demand.
Details: You can create and sell handmade crafts, such as jewelry, candles, or home décor, directly from home. Invest in crafting supplies and tools. Sell your products online, at local markets, or to friends and family. This business can scale based on demand.
Event Planning
Introduction: Event planning is a thriving business in Ethiopia, especially for weddings or parties.
Details: If you’re organized and detail-oriented, start an event planning business. You can offer services like decorations, catering, and event coordination. Start small with family and friends, and use social media to promote your business.
Freelance Writing or Content Creation
Introduction: Many businesses require content for websites, blogs, and social media.
Details: If you have writing skills, start a freelance writing or content creation business. You can work from home and create content for websites, blogs, and businesses. The investment is minimal, and you can start by offering services at a lower rate to build a portfolio.
Personalized Gifts Business
Introduction: Personalized gifts like mugs, photo frames, or engraved items are highly popular.
Details: Start a personalized gifts business by offering products like customized mugs, T-shirts, or photo frames. You will need a small investment in materials like blank mugs or T-shirts and a printer. This can be marketed through social media and local word-of-mouth.
Gardening and Landscaping
Introduction: Many people seek gardening and landscaping services for their homes and businesses.
Details: If you have a green thumb, start a gardening and landscaping business. Offer services like planting flowers, trimming hedges, and lawn care. You’ll need basic gardening tools and can offer packages for regular maintenance services.
Hair and Beauty Salon
Introduction: People are always looking for beauty and grooming services.
Details: Start a small home-based beauty salon offering haircuts, facials, or nail care. You only need basic equipment like hair clippers, scissors, and nail polish. By providing excellent service, you can build a loyal client base in your neighborhood.
Mobile Car Wash Service
Introduction: A car wash business offers a convenient service that can be done from home.
Details: A mobile car wash service requires basic cleaning supplies like soap, sponges, and a portable water source. You can travel to customers’ homes or offices to wash their cars, saving them time and providing a personalized service.
Tutoring Service
Introduction: Education is highly valued, and many parents seek extra help for their children.
Details: If you are skilled in subjects like math, English, or science, you can offer tutoring services from home. You can help students prepare for exams or improve their grades. This is a low-investment business that can be started with a strong knowledge of the subject and basic teaching materials.
Digital Marketing Consultancy
Introduction: With the rise of online businesses, digital marketing is in high demand.
Details: If you have knowledge of digital marketing, start a consultancy business helping small businesses with SEO, social media, and online advertising. You can work from home, offering services like content strategy, social media management, and SEO optimization.
Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Introduction: Pet care services like sitting and walking are growing in demand.
Details: If you love animals, offer pet sitting and dog walking services. You can take care of pets while their owners are away or walk dogs for those who don’t have time. This business requires minimal investment, mainly marketing your services and caring for pets.
Drop Shipping Business
Introduction: Drop shipping allows you to sell products without holding any inventory.
Details: With a small investment in setting up an online store, you can start a drop shipping business. You only need to create a website and choose suppliers to ship products directly to customers. The key to success is selecting popular products and effective marketing.
Read More: How to Make Money Online in Ethiopia: 15 Easy and Profitable Business Ideas in 2025
Freelance Graphic Design
Introduction: If you have a talent for design, graphic design services are always in demand.
Details: With basic design software and your creativity, you can start a graphic design business from home. Offer services like logo creation, marketing materials, or website design. You can work with local businesses or online clients, offering your designs at competitive rates.
Fitness Training and Personal Coaching
Introduction: People are increasingly prioritizing fitness and health.
Details: If you are knowledgeable about fitness, offer personal training services from home or at local parks. You can provide one-on-one coaching or group sessions. Minimal investment is required, mostly for workout equipment and advertising your services.
Photography Business
Introduction: Photography is a profitable and flexible business that can be run from home.
Details: If you have a camera and a passion for photography, you can start a business offering services like portraits, events, or product photography. You can market your services locally or create a website to showcase your portfolio.
Childcare Services
Introduction: With many parents working, childcare services are always in demand.
Details: You can start a home-based daycare or babysitting service. You only need a safe and clean environment and some basic toys and educational materials. This business can be started with minimal investment and is great for parents looking to work from home.
Virtual Assistant
Introduction: Virtual assistants help businesses manage administrative tasks remotely.
Details: If you are organized and detail-oriented, you can offer virtual assistant services from home. You can help with email management, scheduling, and customer support. This business requires minimal investment, mainly a computer and good internet access.
Conclusion:
These 20 low-investment physical business ideas can be started right from your home in Ethiopia, making them ideal for those with limited capital. Whether you’re interested in service-based businesses like cleaning and tutoring or creative ventures like crafting and photography, there’s an opportunity for everyone.
Focus on what you’re passionate about, and with a little effort, you can build a successful business that fits your lifestyle and financial goals.
Frequently asked questions:
How do Ethiopians make money?
Ethiopians make money through various sectors like agriculture, small businesses, and working in retail or government jobs. Many also engage in freelance work, such as teaching or digital services.
Which job is best for earning more money?
High-paying jobs in Ethiopia include roles in business management, healthcare (doctors, surgeons), and engineering. Skilled professionals in these fields often earn the most.
How can I make a lot of money?
To make a lot of money, focus on high-demand skills, invest in education, and explore business opportunities with potential for growth. Entrepreneurship can also lead to substantial profits.
What job gives the most cash?
Jobs in medicine, technology, and engineering tend to offer the highest salaries in Ethiopia. Professions like surgeons, IT specialists, and engineers are among the top earners.
Which field has the most money?
Fields like healthcare, technology, and finance are among the most lucrative in Ethiopia. Professionals in these sectors often see high salaries and career growth.
