Starting a Business in Kenya as a Foreigner – A Complete Guide . Whether you plan to focus on cultivating foreign or local spices, the demand for these commodities will make such a venture worthwhile. Here are some business ideas and it's only for you to decide which most profitable businesses you would like to start the most. There are a lot of concerns about how to start an online business in Kenya and succeed. Depending on the type of spice, the farming techniques and requirements may differ. By exporting spice blends that are popular in his country, Senai was able to attract the attention (and money) of foreigners who like his product. As a matter of fact, 1,000 shillings is always enough -and- if you sell everything that you’ve made for the day, you can end up with at least Ksh. 7,000. The spice business has a rich and interesting history that dates back several hundred years. They are: Now that we have explored the spice business, it’s time to look at the various opportunities that exist for entrepreneurs who are willing to exploit this market. It takes courage, determination, hardwork and grit. This is a very popular business that requires very minimal capital to start up but some level of know-how. 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The trade and business of spices can be linked to many historical events, discoveries, inventions and wars. Today, spices remain significant in human life as they are widely used in flavouring, colouring and preserving food. The confessions of an economic hitman (Must Watch). Reply. A food enterprise license, food manager certification or food handler permit may be required. FREE subscription don't miss every new video: https://goo.gl/n7zTix How to start a Food Business series: How to start a spice company. Amazing! Do you want to start a profitable spice business? Steps for Starting a Business in Kenya. Thanks for article, very insightful. You need to watch this! His company’s top selling spice blends are Shiro, Mitmita, Korarima and Berbere. With just about $48 and constant probing from her sister studying in the U.S., Kenyan entrepreneur Anzazi Kiti managed to start a successful spices business that generates about $1,600 in revenue per month and employs two people so far. Selling fruits salad is a lucrative business idea that one can start with a small amount of capital. In the remaining part of this article, we shall explore the spice business, the common and popularly traded spices and how you too can become part of this interesting but often overlooked business opportunity. Hello Stan , thank you for these information, my quest now is ,if I want to start a spice processing and packaging only , what are the equipments I need and where do i learn it please . Kenyan manufacturers and suppliers of spice from around the world. Basically, spice is an essential item in cooking. Are there local spices in your area that are sold ‘naked’ in the open market? The sale of second-hand clothes or as locally called mitumba is an all-time high now in Kenya. SBP 040: Should You Give Away Free Samples of Your Product? In manufacturing industries, ginger is highly valued for its fragrance in soaps and cosmetics. Jewellery making. It’s a common ingredient in perfumes, aromatherapy and sweet foods where it is highly valued as a flavouring agent. Spice making business involves the manufacturing of varied spices as well as various condiments that are used to add flavour to the food. However, in this section, we will look at five of the most common spices that can be grown and traded both locally and internationally across Africa. 600 in profits. They play such an important role in our daily lives that it’s difficult to imagine our world without spices. There are about 50 spices of international importance and thousands of other lesser known local spices used for traditional cooking. Make sure that you have obtained the licenses required by your state to operate a retail business so as to avoid trouble with the health sector and the government. Most of the world’s spices are grown in tropical regions of the world where sunlight and rainfall are abundant all year round. Her journey truly exemplifies the spirit of a Smallstarter. Sell Second Hand Clothes. His work and opinions have been featured in several local and international media, including CNN, Business Day, and The Huffington Post. Today, the international trade in spices is still worth a lot of money. Fabric sold in Kenya is purchased from Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana and Nigeria. what can i do? Ornaments are in different types, e.g. Due to its worldwide appeal and rich, delicate taste, vanilla remains one of the world’s top selling spices and one of the most expensive too. As the world becomes more globalized, more people are getting interested in foreign foods, spices and herbs. Through his signature training courses and private programs, he has worked with hundreds of African entrepreneurs and business owners to overcome serious challenges with starting, growing, or turning around their businesses. The good news is that you can also start this business with as low as 5K. by Biashara Kenya November 29, 2016. by Biashara Kenya November 29, 2016 1 comment. Hi, please I need supply informations and contacts on how to start a spice business in Nigeria. Here are the steps you can follow that will help you to plan, prepare and manage your business. In addition we maybe willing to invest in the infrastructure of the spice farm we are exporting from. Find Spices Manufacturers in Kenya. 2. Starting a business in Kenya is a multi-step process that involves planning, making key financial decisions and completing a series of legal activities. Smallstarter helps entrepreneurs overcome frustrating business problems. 18. This is because a lot of people have … In the remaining part of this article, we shall explore the spice business, the common and popularly traded spices and how you too can become part of this interesting but often overlooked business opportunity. glass, wood, beads, shells. There are different varieties of pepper on the market; black, white, green and red are just a few of the popular varieties. However, very little is exported from our continent because most of it is consumed locally. However are you still in business? As you learn the ropes, and understand the market, you can make some money you can use to get registered. Spices Market in Kenya: Business Report 2020 provides a complete overview of current market state issued in a comprehensive and easily accessed format. Step 1: Find Goods, product or services to Sell Online. You only need skills and some income and a homeroom as your place of work. Thanks Mr Iwuoha, i tend to start a spice company but the charges involved in registration and Nafdac can be discouraging. This business which is run out of a small makeshift “factory”, produces up to 40 packs of its nautral spices which retails at $2 in local retail chains. All you need do is come down to our factory for processing of your products. They can come from different parts of a plant including: the seeds, fruit, roots, bark, stems, rhizomes or flowers (like saffron). If you have little capital and looking for small business ideas in Kenya, selling smokies and eggs is a business you can think about. My name is Margaret Debrah, and i am currently setting up a spice business in the UK. As Africa’s population continues to grow and more people adopt Western diets, the demand for vanilla will explode to support the processed food and cosmetics industries. If I had to explore all the spices, this article could become a huge and heavy book. I want to start a seasoning company in a small scale, but don’t know how to go about it , how do I contact you sir. To learn more about how we can help you start, build or grow your business, click here to get started. Copyright 2013-2030 Smallstarter Africa | All Rights Reserved | Powered by, This Kenyan Entrepreneur Makes Natural Blended Spices for the Local Market, How these Successful African Entrepreneurs Raised Capital for Their Businesses, Why the USA and Africa are losing out on mutual trade and investment opportunities, and how to fix it, Want to export African products to the USA? Look in your kitchen and you’ll likely find some of these ‘ordinary’ spices that have been branded in attractive packaging and sold under popular brand names. 2. It will be a difficult task to choose the top selling spices given that preferences and tastes differ around the world. How much do you know about the volume and huge potentials of the spice business in Africa? Anyone who has a knowledge of spices and a passion for food and flavours can start this business, including homemakers who are looking for an opportunity to turn into entrepreneurs and become independent business owners. According to the FAO, some of the leading producers of spices in Africa include Nigeria, Madagascar, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Ghana. Struggling to build your business? Chibundiro is a brand of natural blended spices in Kenya. He simply thought outside the box and presented his country’s local spices to potential customers in different parts of the world. Typical colours are white, red and purple. Start furniture business. If you don’t like pepper, you’re definitely in the minority! Starting a photocopy business in Kenya, all you need to know . That may be a good opportunity for you to produce a branded spice product. A Business Plan/Guide is an essential roadmap for the most profitable businesses to start in Kenya. You need to watch this. Anzazi is optimistic about growth, and expects her business will grow at a rate of 2.5% per year. By taking small steps, Anzazi could eventually build a very successful brand of organic and natural spices that could become a continental sensation. Thanks, Good day to you, I know I am two years too late to this post. If you’re like me, it would be very difficult to imagine some of your favourite meals without pepper. Business funding in Kenya 1. Onions appear on the market in various colours, shapes and sizes. Despite this advantage, a lot of these spices are still imported into Africa every year. To ensure that you get a broader view of the spice families, I’d like to share more popular spices with you under their broad classifications. Our Abuja office is at Suite 20 Tolse Plaza No 4 frank afegbua crescent off dan marere close apo zone D FCT abuja Nigeria. How to start an online business. However, to enjoy commercial success, you may need to acquire a sizeable piece of land for cultivation. One way would be to enter the bulk sales market. (photo credit: teachermrsg.blogspot.com). Everybody loves vanilla ice cream! Business funding in Kenya: Do you want to start a business but have no clue where to find to find capital for the business? East Asia (China) and South-East Asia (Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand) are the second largest spice producing region in the world. Spices like saffron are still more expensive (per ounce) than gold. Reply. Additionally, processed food industry is the largest consumer of spice as well. Although widely used in several foods and delicacies, ginger appears to have more medicinal applications. Most profitable business in Kenya in 2017 . These organizations are aimed at helping startup entrepreneurs get funding for their business. How and where can one get contact of these retailers, Hello Mr Ashu-mbe my name is Mr James Kalu. Search by typing name on the tool provided below. Mitumba clothes. However, there are a variety of spices available globally. In e-commerce, you give people what they are looking for from the internet. Almost every country in Africa produces spices but most of it is consumed locally. You’re right, the charges involved in the registration can be discouraging. 1. Let’s also not forget the growing local demand for spices within our towns and cities. Get all the details you need to know about Spices Manufacturers. As a result, most spices can be stored for longer periods without any need for advanced or expensive storage facilities. Add Business. Starting a business is a leap of faith even in the best of circumstances. And remember, making great food is key to customer retention. Working on a dream? As usual, I believe that the opportunity and information I have shared with you in this article can be taken further by your creativity and energy. Spices have existed long before this young man was born. The revelations in this documentary will amaze you. Ginger is a popular herb and spice and is commonly used in its fresh, dried and powdered forms or as a juice or oil. Chibundiro is a brand of natural blended spices in Kenya. This living document generally projects years ahead and outlines the route a company or individual intends to take to grow revenues. They also have important uses in cosmetics, perfumes, medicine and religious rituals. People like jewels and the market of this kind is not yet explored fully. In fact, during the Roman empire, spices were considered to be as valuable as gold. Our mobile number is +23408032777773, +23408156000001. However, countries like Ethiopia, Madagascar and Tanzania earn significant foreign exchange earnings by exporting spices and herbs to Europe and The United States. Other major producers include India, Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, China and Thailand. When spices are processed (usually dried), they last longer and retain their value. As a medicine, ginger is used to treat arthritis, cold, cough, burns and various types of ‘stomach problems’ including motion sickness, morning sickness, colic and stomach upsets. Spices and herbs were among the most expensive and highly sought after products of the Middle Ages. Copyright 2013-2030 Smallstarter Africa | All Rights Reserved | Powered by, Spices – How African Entrepreneurs Can Build A Business From This Old But Lucrative Product, 30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs in Africa 2014. These 10 easy steps can help you plan, prepare and manage your business. The report also includes foreign trade statistics within recent years. Spice merchants (traders) were some of the richest and most influential people of that era and great ancient cities like Babylon were built on the back of the lucrative spice trade. Spices like vanilla, black pepper and nutmeg which are native to other countries are cultivated successfully in Africa because of the similar climate we share with those regions. I am the MD of THE SPICE HOUSE NIG LTD, a small spice blending and retailing company based in Lagos and abuja Nigeria. Currently, her products have sold in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and a few orders from European and North American markets. ★ Spices ★ Kenya ★ Karman Wholesalers ★ Shree Sai Industries Ltd ★ Imperial Food Industries Ltd ★ Govindji Khetshi & Sons ★ Benson M ★ Lamini Emporium ★ Spices, Spices, Spices, Spices, Table manners for entrepreneurs — important tips and dining etiquette to always keep in mind, One of my best speeches of all time — The danger of a single story. As I already mentioned, there are over 500 different spice varieties but only about fifty of these have worldwide appeal and are traded in large quantities on the international market. Although India and China dominate global ginger production and export, Nigeria and Cameroon are part of the top ten world producers of this highly important spice. This is where some basic research will be necessary. Now 27 years old, his company produces and exports popular Ethiopian spice blends to satisfy the needs of his countrymen living abroad, especially in the United States and Europe. SBP 040: Should You Give Away Free Samples of Your Product? We have done an in-depth guide on how to start a profitable Mitumba business so if you need more guidance you can check it out. Cakes, biscuits, desserts and lots of other baked stuff contain vanilla. Selling Fruit Salad . As you will discover in the rest of this article, there are hundreds of different spices on our beautiful planet. GET IN TOUCH. Best Businesses to Start in Kenya – Start a Fast Food Business in Kenya . Going small scale is definitely a good startup idea and isn’t as complex as might think. Whether in its fresh, dried or ground forms, pepper can be found (often with table salt) in almost every kitchen and on nearly every dinner table in today’s world. In our constant search for the newest and ‘never-ventured’ business ideas, we tend to leave out the basic and essential stuff around us. Ensure that you chose a product or a service that will be marketable and in demand. Would you happen to know international markets for spices because I am running this business and would like to export some of my produce abroad. In fact, as of 2012, Madagascar overtook Indonesia to become the world’s top vanilla producer. And although this relationship may not be as strong as it used to be, it still exists nonetheless. Like this post has expressly highlighte, the spice market really an untapped goldmine. If you love cooking and are always intrigued by the different spices of the different countries, you can start a spice business and turn your favorite hobby into earning money. This presents a growing opportunity for exporting African spices and herbs, now and in the future. Mr Iwuoha, ABOUT KUZABIASHARA. But still, you have to find a way to start, no matter how small. You profit from buying fabric in bulk and subdividing into smaller dimensions for sale to tailors. Find here a detailed spice business plan sample checklist for your ready reference. Our small blending factory is at plot 2 house 2 Olive estate satelite town lagos. The interesting thing I found about the opportunity in spices is that you can introduce foreign spices to local consumers or, like Senai the Ethiopian spice entrepreneur, introduce local spices to foreign consumers. Fortunately, his spice blends have become quite popular with a growing number of non-Ethiopians within Africa and abroad. The most important thing is to start, no matter how small. Pepper grows well in tropical regions and is abundant in many parts of Africa. Yes, I too was surprised to find that vanilla is a spice! Are there popular spice blends around you that everybody loves but still have to buy the spices individually to blend them? Spices are a common ingredient in many dishes across our continent and we love them for the rich flavor, colour and taste they give our food. Whether you’re hunting for good business opportunities, trying to start a business, looking to raise capital, eager to make more sales and grow your business, or desperate to structure your business and hire capable people, you’ve come to the right place. Onion powder is a versatile spice used to flavor meats, soups, sauces and dressings. Although the soil and climate in many parts of Africa are favourable to growing spices, we are yet to fully exploit the huge opportunities in these widely traded commodities. Starting a business in Nairobi would certainly get you into millionaire club. Some other spices are more popular among certain cultures and ethnicities because of their use in local foods, delicacies and medicines. Search for a business. For centuries, Africa has been an important player in the global spice trade. In 2012, Senai Wolderufael started Feed Green Ethiopia Exports Company. Here’s a detailed guide of how to start a gym business in Kenya – with cost reviews and equipment needed to start. The brain behind this business is Anzazi Kiti, a professional accountant who still works a day job and runs her business, Taste Afrique Kenya. In spite of the small profit margins involved, tailors use hundreds of meters of fabric in a month. All of these are mixtures of common spices like peppers, ginger and several other local herbs and spices. Most spices are easy to cultivate and usually don’t require a lot of land, advanced technology or machines. The best part of starting this business is that you don’t need much investment and no such skills are required. To start this business, sausage, samosa and egg business you need a capital of around 1,000 to start. Many people have the passion, intention and the will to dip their hands into any business that can possibly make them millionaires but die to lack of information, they put their thoughts in the waiting list. He/she issues certificates of compliance for foreign companies, certificates of incorporation for local companies and certificates of registration for sole proprietorship and partnerships. Starting a Business In Kenya The Registrar of Companies is responsible for business registrations in Kenya. The demand for spices and herbs is almost as old as mankind itself. In February 2014, Senai, along with 29 other African entrepreneurs, was listed by Forbes Magazine as one of the 30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs in Africa 2014. The report includes detailed analyses of spices market in Kenya, information on major producers, distributing companies, and buyers. I’m in Tanzania just for the record. You could also look at many more interesting and lucrative business ideas in the Business ideassection of this website. Throughout human civilization, spices have remained special and valuable. 28. Give your product a name to set it apart from the ‘ordinary’ and ‘naked’ spices in the open market. If you’re creative, you could blend (put together) a number of spices that could become your own branded recipe. If you are interested in starting a spices business, it's a smart move to learn from folks who are already in business. Angel Networks are financiers who will first have to believe in your business idea as a viable one. 7. You don’t need a lot of money for your capital cost because starting a spice business is relatively low in startu… To learn more about how we can help you start, build or grow your business, click here to get started. Let’s look at the broad areas through which entrepreneurs can enter the spice business. Meet one of Africa’s most inspiring performers, Africa needs more fearless people like these two Nigerian journalists, The Business of Silkworm farming: A Fibre-to-Fabric Success Story from Kenya, 11 Business Opportunities in Africa That Made More Millionaires in 2018, The rise and rise of women leaders across Africa (Infographic), How Africa can emerge stronger and better from its water crises, Africa’s rural areas could be the game changer for the continent’s economy, 5 Innovative Ideas That Are Transforming Education in Africa, Meet the entrepreneur behind West Africa’s first indigenous air ambulance service, [Must Watch] How Africa can use its traditional knowledge to make progress. The next step is to contact your city’s health department to find out what permits you need to start a food business. The spice business is a multi-billion dollar global industry and a significant source of revenue for several countries in Africa. Spices are dried parts of plants that usually have strong and special smells/flavours. Although vanilla is native to Mexico, Madagascar and Uganda are the only African countries in the top ten vanilla producing countries in the world! Onions are commonly used in its raw form or in other processed forms such as dried flakes, powder or liquid. Please I need more information on the processing and packaging of spices in Nigeria. SBP 039: How to Keep Going When You Feel Like Giving Up, SBP 038: The Amazing Power of Doing Small Things in Business, SBP 036: How Smart Entrepreneurs Plan for A New Year (Part 2), SBP 035: How Smart Entrepreneurs Plan for A New Year (Part 1), SBP 034: Interview conversations about my life, career, and opinions, SBP 033: 5 Interesting Business Opportunities in Africa in 2021, SBP 032: 7 Important Risks To Consider In Every Business, SBP 031: The 6 Demons You Must Defeat To Succeed In Business. Related: Starting a Successful Business in Kenya. Currently, the African continent produces less than 10 percent of the spices produced worldwide. This article features Senai Wolderufael, a successful African spice entrepreneur who was recently featured in Forbes Magazine. We will be exploring more with new ideas and will update soon. Starting such business will require a starting capital of less than Ksh. If you’re resident in Lagos, Nigeria- we offer prouct drying an milling services to small starters who can’t afford the prouduct machinery just like you. We will be interested in retailing any kind of quality spices for any reputable spice making company world over. The rest of this article explores the spice industry and opportunities that entrepreneurs like you can exploit in this lucrative but often overlooked business. We at Kuza Biashara are focussed to encourage these daring small business owners who have the potential to innovate and change the world by contributing to the nation’s economy and livelihood. Boiled eggs and smokies. The mitumba business is not dying anytime soon. Just like in all the 47 counties of Kenya, Mombasa is a good place to start a furniture business. This is if to go by the number of people considered to be middle class earners in that population. Unlike the bakery business, this one might be more demanding especially when it comes to acquiring mitumba bales. Starting a fast food business in Kenya needs very little money. Vanilla is the world’s most popular sweet spice. We will not accept products that do not meet our business standards. Does God hate Africans? Here is what you need for starting an online business in Kenya. SBP 039: How to Keep Going When You Feel Like Giving Up, SBP 038: The Amazing Power of Doing Small Things in Business, SBP 036: How Smart Entrepreneurs Plan for A New Year (Part 2), SBP 035: How Smart Entrepreneurs Plan for A New Year (Part 1), SBP 034: Interview conversations about my life, career, and opinions, SBP 033: 5 Interesting Business Opportunities in Africa in 2021, SBP 032: 7 Important Risks To Consider In Every Business, SBP 031: The 6 Demons You Must Defeat To Succeed In Business. , delicacies and medicines one of the spice routes of Asia the spices in.... Even in the world product a name to set it apart from the ‘ ordinary ’ and naked... Sauces and dressings together ) a number of non-Ethiopians within Africa and abroad has. Mitumba business if you think owners of nearby spices businesses will give you advice, think.., distributing companies, certificates of compliance for foreign companies, and buyers vanilla is a of. You chose a product or a service that will be marketable and in demand spice... As other related businesses that will help you find qualified vendors of spice... Potential customers in different parts of the world many people, the charges how to start a spice business in kenya the... Spice making company world over find out how to start a spice business in kenya permits you need a capital of around 1,000 start. Opportunity for you cloves, turmeric and thyme are some business ideas in the open market too. To grow revenues about brand names is that you don ’ t require a lot of land, technology. It comes to acquiring mitumba bales and dressings 1 comment popular among certain cultures and because. Humans and spices be required flavouring, colouring and preserving food in Africa produces and exports over 30 of. All information such as dried flakes, powder or liquid and medicines Wolderufael started Feed Ethiopia. Untapped goldmine featured in several local and international media, including CNN, business day, understand... Blends around you that everybody loves but still have to buy the spices produced.... Hitman ( Must Watch ) cloves, turmeric and thyme are some business ideas it. Business transformation specialist and founder of Smallstarter is this the solution to tribalism and ethnic hatred Africa... Type of spice, the international trade in spices is still worth a lot these... Start, build or grow your business, click here to learn more about how can... Legal activities life today basically, spice is an interesting alternative to the volumes. Requirements may differ and it 's a smart move to learn from folks who already... House NIG LTD, a small spice blending and retailing company based in Lagos and abuja Nigeria maybe to. China and Thailand are dried parts of Africa with as low as 5K without any for! Are abundant all year round ( Must Watch ) of how to start a gym business Kenya! Attractive bottle, sachet or anything that works for you to produce a branded spice product license food. Goods, product or a service that will be interested in starting a business in best. Are financiers who will first have to buy the spices produced worldwide desserts lots... Investment and no such skills are required Green Ethiopia exports company be class... Skills and some creativity and planning their use in local foods, spices have had an interesting to. To this post is how to start a spice business in kenya valued as a Foreigner – a complete overview of current market state issued in comprehensive... Within our towns and cities pepper grows well in tropical regions and is abundant in parts! Away Free Samples of your product a name to set it apart from the ordinary. Are processed ( usually dried ), they last longer and retain their value the open market Biashara Kenya 29! To door deliveries and cities hundred years responsible for business registrations in.! Global spice trade, Rwanda and a few orders from European and North American markets than gold locally mitumba! Hatred in Africa FCT abuja Nigeria tailors use hundreds of different spices on beautiful. Is exported from our continent because most of the top 25 plus small business ideas in needs. Herbs is almost as old as mankind itself item in cooking ( Must Watch ) is exactly the strategy. Research will be a better competitor ginger appears to have more medicinal applications salad. The top 25 plus small business ideas in Kenya, mitumba Should be a good opportunity for exporting spices! In demand our beautiful planet frank afegbua crescent off dan marere close apo zone D FCT abuja Nigeria legal! Google+ buttons below around the world ’ s top selling spices given that preferences and tastes around... To the large volumes of artificial seasoning that has flooded the African market to our for. Local consumers high quality of years presented his country ’ s local spices, like peppers ginger... Good day to you, I tend to start with where you live by targeting with... Expensive ( per ounce ) than gold American markets how to start a spice business in kenya around 1,000 to start, no matter small. Spices in the world ’ s top vanilla producer technically classified as “ vegetables! Panjiva uses over 30 percent of the spice business has a rich and interesting history that back... Grow at a rate of 2.5 % per year sample checklist for your business to know about manufacturers... To customer retention is purchased from Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana and Nigeria example, Ethiopia over.