For more than five years, Evertol Associates has been quietly shaping the future of African entrepreneurship. From Johannesburg to Lusaka, from Harare to Maputo, the firm has walked alongside visionaries and business owners, ensuring that their dreams are translated into compliant, structured, and investor-ready businesses.
As one of the trusted business intelligence and consulting firms in the region, Evertol has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs set up companies in South Africa and the wider SADC region. From this growing pool of clients, a clear picture has emerged: there are 10 business types that stand out as the most popular and most viable for those expanding into South Africa.
The 10 Most Popular Businesses to Start
- Retail & Wholesale Trading – shops, distributors, and cross-border traders linking Africa’s markets.
- E-commerce & D2C Brands – online stores and digital-first ventures reaching both SA and regional consumers.
- Professional Services – accounting, consulting, legal, and marketing firms leveraging SA’s corporate environment.
- Personal & Field Services – cleaning, beauty, repairs, and security companies that thrive on high demand.
- Food & Hospitality – catering businesses, restaurants, bakeries, and guesthouses that anchor community and tourism.
- Construction & Trades – contractors, plumbing, electrical, and scaffolding ventures supporting SA’s property boom.
- Property Services – real estate agencies, rentals, and property management firms.
- Manufacturing & Light Processing – bricks, detergents, clothing, solar kits, and other production lines.
- Agribusiness & Agro-processing – farms, milling plants, agro-supply chains feeding regional markets.
- Financial & Fintech Services – microlenders, insurance, remittance firms, and credit providers.
Why This Matters for Zambian Business Owners 🇿🇲
For Zambian entrepreneurs, South Africa is more than just a neighbour — it is a gateway to continental growth. Many Zambian businesses already depend on South Africa for raw materials, finished products, or strategic partnerships. Setting up a South African company allows you to:
- Strengthen your supply chain: Import, export, and distribute with the efficiency of a local entity.
- Expand your market reach: Sell to South African consumers while using SA as a hub for regional trade.
- Access finance and investment: Build credibility with South African banks, investors, and corporate partners.
- Stay compliant across borders: Benefit from structured bookkeeping, tax clearance, and secretarial services that meet international standards.
Evertol’s Role in Your Growth
Evertol Associates does not only register companies; we provide the entire foundation for growth:
- CIPC Registration – 3–7 days setup for your South African entity.
- Banking & Tax Compliance – corporate bank accounts, tax clearance (SARS), and VAT if required.
- Licensing Support – FSCA, NCR, SARB/ADLA approvals for financial ventures.
- Bookkeeping & Strategy Advisory – to keep you investor-ready and aligned for expansion.
South Africa is open for business, and the evidence is in the companies we have already helped build. Whether you are a Zambian retailer strengthening your Zupply Chain, a manufacturer seeking regional scale, or a fintech entrepreneur eyeing South Africa’s market, Evertol Associates is your partner in turning opportunity into success.
Feel free to signup for Evertol Associates’ services on https://signup.evertol.co.za
