Leveraging demand for daycare centres in Zim

ZIMBABWE is experiencing a significant rise in demand for daycare centres due to various social and economic factors.

Urbanisation, increased employment opportunities for women and expansion of the informal sector are key drivers.

Many parents, especially in cities such as Harare and Bulawayo, face the challenge of balancing work with childcare.

With limited family support networks in urban areas, parents are turning to daycare facilities for their children.

To attract clients, a daycare centre needs to make it suitable for children by creating safe play areas, installing child-friendly furniture and setting up learning corners

Additionally, the emphasis on early childhood development (ECD) in Zimbabwe’s education has underscored the importance of quality daycare, further boosting demand for well-structured centres.

So, there are huge business opportunities in this area.

Establishing a daycare centre in Zimbabwe involves navigating several costs and adhering to regulatory requirements. Here is an outline of the primary expenses and legal considerations.

Registration and licensing

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education oversees the registration and regulation of daycare centres. Prospective daycare centre owners must meet the following requirements to obtain a licence:

Registration with the ministry — The facility must be registered as an ECD provider, which includes submitting an application form and other documentation (business plan, curriculum and staff qualifications)

Health and safety inspections — Local authorities conduct thorough inspections to ensure the premises meet health, sanitation and safety standards. This includes child-proofing facilities, installing fire safety measures and providing adequate space for children to play

Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) registration — The daycare centre must register with Zimra for tax compliance.

Teacher/staff certification — All caregivers must possess ECD qualifications as recognised by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education

The cost of registration varies depending on the location and size of the facility, but typically ranges between US$300 and US$1 000.

Facility costs

Securing an appropriate facility is one of the most significant expenses.

Ideally, the daycare centre should be in a residential area or near business hubs for easy access by parents. Options include renting or purchasing property.

Rental costs — Rent varies greatly by location, with Harare’s suburbs ranging between US$500 and US$2 000 per month for medium-sized properties

Renovation and furnishing — Modifications to the property may be necessary to make it suitable for children. This includes creating safe play areas, installing child-friendly furniture and setting up learning corners. Renovation costs can range from US$1 000 to US$5 000 depending on the state of the property

Operational costs

Running a daycare centre incurs ongoing operational costs.

Staff salaries — Daycare centres require qualified staff, including caregivers, cooks, cleaners and administrators. The salary for an ECD  qualified caregiver in Zimbabwe ranges from US$200 to US$500 per month, depending on experience

Food and supplies — Providing meals, snacks and essential supplies like diapers, toys and educational materials can cost between US$300 and US$1 000 per month, depending on the number of children.

Utilities and maintenance — Electricity, water and general maintenance (cleaning and repair work) typically cost US$100 to US$300 per month.

Marketing and branding

To attract clients, a daycare centre needs to invest in marketing. While word of mouth can help, creating a strong brand presence through flyers, social media and local advertising is crucial. Initial marketing costs can range from US$200 to US$1 000, depending on the chosen channels.

Profit potential

The profit potential of a daycare centre in Zimbabwe is significant, given the growing demand for services offered by such facilities.

Most daycare centres charge between US$50 and US$150 per child, per month.

A centre with 20 children can generate US$1 000 to US$3 000 monthly in revenue, making it a viable business, with proper management and adherence to regulatory standards.