Starting a food truck business in Zimbabwe

SMEs CORNER

ZIMBABWEANS are famous for entrepreneurship, and for some, the food truck business offers a tantalising blend of low entry costs and creative freedom.

But what does it take to hit the road with your own mobile eatery?

Getting the basics right

First, one should have the truck itself. A second-hand vehicle retrofitted with essential kitchen equipment like a gas stove, refrigerator and sinks costs between US$5 000 and US$10 000.

In a pinch, clever entrepreneurs can start with a modest US$3 000 by converting old kombis or light trucks.

This do-it-yourself (DIY) route might seem tempting, but remember this: Cutting corners could land you on the wrong side of Zimbabwe’s health inspectors.

Regulations

Food truck operators in the country must register with their local authority, obtain a health inspection certificate and secure a vending licence.

These permits collectively cost around US$200 annually. Stocking your food truck adds another layer of cost.

Daily ingredients — gas for cooking and packaging materials — can eat up to US$500 a month for a modest operation.

Savvy vendors source fresh produce from markets like Mbare Musika for those in Harare or form partnerships with local farmers for cheaper supplies.

Fuel, of course, is another concern.

With fuel prices in the country averaging US$1,55 per litre, keeping your truck on the road can drain US$100 to US$300 monthly, depending on your routes.

Location

Then there is the question of location. Prime spots near Harare’s First Street or Bulawayo’s City Hall are lucrative, but competitive, requiring informal “rent” payments to private lot owners or hefty fines if operating illegally.

For marketing, Zimbabwe’s vibrant social media scene works wonders.

Platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp are gold mines for reaching hungry customers without spending a fortune.

A small advertising budget of US$50 a month, paired with a dash of humour and stunning food photos, can do wonders.

The bottom line?

Starting a food truck business in Zimbabwe demands an initial investment of roughly US$7 000 to US$15 000, with monthly running costs hovering around US$800.

While the hurdles are significant, the potential payoff is enormous.

With street food increasingly being popular among young professionals and urbanites, the market is ripe for disruption.

Share with us your experiences of starting a new business from anywhere in Zimbabwe. Email us on: sundaymailonline@ zimpapers.co.zw or WhatsApp only: +263771538827.