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Zambians in Finland Start Online Tutoring in Zambia

Why Zambians in Finland Are Starting Online Tutoring Businesses Back Home

25 Apr 2025


A growing number of Zambians living in Finland are stepping into the world of online tutoring—not in Finland, but back home in Zambia. What might seem like just another side hustle is quickly turning into a powerful movement to reshape the educational landscape for thousands of students in Zambia. These tutoring businesses are more than just a way to earn; they represent a heartfelt connection to home, a bridge for knowledge sharing, and a chance to make online money transfer from Finland to Zambia for family back home. 

What’s Driving the Rise of Online Tutoring Businesses Among Zambians in Finland?

There are multiple reasons why this particular business is famous amongst zambians in Finland. 

Access to Better Tech Infrastructure

One of the biggest reasons Zambians in Finland are leading this movement is Finland’s excellent technological environment. The country is well-known for its fast and stable internet services, even in rural areas. With this digital edge, conducting live video lessons, uploading educational content, and managing online classrooms becomes incredibly easy.

Platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, and even open-source learning management systems like Moodle have become go-to tools. They allow tutors to create engaging lessons, track student progress, and maintain a virtual presence in Zambia—all while living abroad.

Demand for Quality Education in Zambia

Zambia’s education system, while developing, still faces numerous challenges. Many public schools are overcrowded, underfunded, and lack adequately trained teachers. This has created a gap that private tutors can help bridge.

Parents in urban and even some rural parts of Zambia are now more aware of the value of education. They're increasingly willing to invest in tutoring services that can improve their children's academic performance. Online tutoring offers them access to high-quality instruction—often from individuals who have been exposed to international standards of education.

As a result, a Zambian tutor in Finland can offer lessons that are both aligned with local curricula and enriched by global teaching practices.

Passion for Giving Back to the Community

Many Zambians living abroad carry a deep-rooted desire to contribute to the development of their homeland. Tutoring is seen as an effective and personal way to do this. It allows them to use their knowledge and experience without needing to return home physically.

This model works particularly well for students who need personalised help, especially in subjects like Mathematics, English, and Science. It's also a great way to reach students in underserved communities who might not have access to qualified teachers.

Moreover, this passion for helping others has led to innovative collaborations. Some tutors are teaming up with local NGOs or community centres to offer subsidised or even free tutoring for students who can’t afford it.

Flexible Work Opportunities in Finland

Finland is known for its high quality of life, and one part of that includes a strong work-life balance. Zambian immigrants, international students, and expats often find themselves with flexible schedules, especially if they’re studying or working part-time. This free time is being channelled into productive ventures like online tutoring.

In addition, Finland’s supportive environment for entrepreneurship encourages small business development. This means that starting an online business—whether as a sole proprietor or a registered company—is relatively straightforward, giving Zambians in Finland the green light to operate legally and efficiently.

How Are These Tutoring Businesses Operated from Abroad?

Dont worry if you are not physically present, you can operate it from abroad in the following ways. 

Using Local Networks for Student Outreach

Even from thousands of kilometres away, Zambian tutors find it easy to connect with students back home—thanks to family networks, community connections, and digital communication platforms. Relatives, friends, and even former teachers often help spread the word.

Social media plays a huge role here. WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, and Telegram channels are used to promote services, share schedules, and communicate with parents. These tools offer low-cost but high-impact marketing and customer engagement opportunities.

This informal but powerful network allows Zambians in Finland to build trust and reach more students consistently.

Curriculum Customisation and Relevance

One key reason parents trust tutors abroad is the ability to blend local curriculum needs with global teaching methods. Most tutors ensure their content is in line with the Zambian national syllabus, which allows students to stay on track with schoolwork.

But there's more to it than just matching syllabi. Tutors often introduce new techniques that help simplify difficult concepts, teach critical thinking, and even incorporate bilingual lessons for better understanding—particularly useful in regions where English is a second language.

The result is a learning experience that’s not only relevant but also inspiring and effective.

Payment and Business Setup

Handling payments from Zambia while living in Finland might seem complicated, but it’s actually quite streamlined. Mobile money platforms such as MTN Money, Airtel Money, and Zamtel Money are widely used for local transactions. These platforms allow parents to pay fees conveniently from anywhere in the country.

Tutors often integrate these mobile solutions with banking options in Finland, ensuring smooth financial operations. Some have even taken the next step by officially registering their tutoring ventures as online businesses with Zambian authorities, making them eligible for government support and expansion grants.

This dual-setup model ensures professionalism and builds trust among clients.

Measuring Impact and Scaling Up

What started as one-on-one tutoring sessions has now grown into something much larger for many Zambians. With positive feedback from students and parents, many are expanding their services.

Some tutors now manage small teams of fellow Zambians living abroad, while others collaborate with local educators in Zambia to scale operations. A few have launched e-learning platforms or even hybrid models that mix online and in-person tutoring through partnerships with schools.

Their success stories highlight how a passion-driven side hustle can become a sustainable, income-generating business that also empowers others.

These ventures are often funded by part-time jobs or savings, and the profit earned is either reinvested or used to support families in Zambia through remittances. Many also use trusted remittance platforms with 4.8+ ratings on Trustpilot, like ACE to send money to Zambia from Finland, making the entire ecosystem functional and impactful.

Zambians in Finland are showing the world that you don’t need to be physically present to make a difference back home. With access to technology, a desire to uplift communities, and the ability to balance work and business, they’re filling a critical gap in Zambia’s education system.

 

FAQs

What qualifications do I need to start an online tutoring business from Finland to Zambia?

There’s no strict requirement, but having a background in teaching or subject-specific expertise helps. Most tutors simply offer subjects they are confident in and align lessons with Zambia’s national curriculum.

How do Zambian tutors living abroad attract students back home?

They use social networks, word-of-mouth, WhatsApp groups, and Facebook communities to reach parents and students. Some also collaborate with schools and local NGOs for visibility.

What challenges do these tutors face operating from Finland?

Time zone differences, payment coordination, and local competition are common challenges. However, strong planning and the right tools usually help overcome them.

Is tutoring from abroad a profitable venture?

Yes, especially when scaled smartly. While initial profits may be modest, long-term growth can lead to a sustainable income.

Can I use ACE Money Transfer for regular business income remittances to Zambia?

Absolutely. ACE offers safe, fast, and affordable ways to send money to Zambia online from Finland regularly, whether for personal or business purposes.


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