Women in Tech Zambia Cohort 6

The Women in Tech Zambia programme, implemented by BongoHive Innovations, is an accelerator designed to support women-led, tech-based and tech-enabled businesses in Zambia. The programme combines world-class training, strategic mentorship, and equity-free funding to help female entrepreneurs grow their startups and scale sustainable solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Thematic Area: Economic Resilience through Scalable Digital Transformation.

Defining Tech-Enabled: We are sector-agnostic, but we require a High-Execution Threshold. A business is eligible if it uses technology to solve one of these three structural inefficiencies:

1. Market Access: Using proprietary or integrated digital platforms to bypass middlemen and connect directly with markets or customers (For example, an agri-trade marketplace, a B2B ordering platform, or a digital logistics solution.

2. Operational Scalability: Replacing manual, paper-based administration with automated, cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), or inventory systems that allow the business to grow without a 1:1 increase in headcount. This means the technology is already embedded in daily operations — not planned for the future.

3. Data Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence integration: Using digital data and AI-driven tools to secure credit, predict inventory needs, personalise customer experiences, or optimise service delivery, moving from reactive to predictive business management. This includes businesses that are currently integrating AI into their operations, as well as those with a clear, credible roadmap to do so, where an AI application would materially strengthen their business model.

Defining Tech-Based: A business is Tech-Based if its primary product or service is the technology itself, where the entire business model collapses if the technology is removed. These are often B2C or B2B SaaS (Software as a Service) companies, platform businesses, or deep tech companies.

Examples:

• Proprietary Software: Developing and selling a unique, cloud-based platform for farm management, financial inclusion, or health diagnostics.

• Platform/Marketplace: Operating a two-sided digital platform that facilitates transactions or interactions as its core value offering (e.g., a digital payments platform, an e-commerce site).

• Deep Tech: Businesses built on advanced scientific research or significant engineering innovation (e.g., AI/ML models, biotech, advanced robotics).

Eligible Startups

1. Must be a legally registered, for-profit microbusiness with less than 10 employees

2. Must be headquartered and operating in Zambia

3. Must be revenue-generating but with less than $100k in annual revenue 

4. Must have a minimal viable product (MVP) and have raised less than $500k in equity

5. Must have meaningful customer or business validation (not limited to revenue; it can also be successful pilot studies, number of users, and/or strategic partnerships (with proof).

6. Must have at least one female founder with an equal or majority stake in the business and one full-time founder based in Zambia

7. Must be tech-based or tech-enabled by either offering technology as its primary product or use digital tools to significantly scale operations and improve market access.

8. Must be available to undertake all programme activities from 8th June to 12th February 2027. This is a hybrid program requiring participation in both virtual sessions and mandatory in-person activities in Lusaka. Applicants must be willing and able to travel to Lusaka for these scheduled physical sessions.

The programme targets founders aged 18–35. Female Founders above 35 may still participate but will not be eligible for equity-free seed funding.

Benefits for startups

1. Business Acceleration: A 3-month structured programme designed to strengthen your business operations, strategy, and growth.

1. Professional Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts tailored to your business needs.

1. Technical and Business Support: Access to legal, financial, accounting, and technology services to enhance key areas of your business.

1. Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and potential partners to expand your professional network.

1. Media Exposure: Opportunities to showcase your business through press coverage, programme features, and public events.

1. Equity-Free Seed Funding: Five selected businesses will each receive a $10,000 grant to support implementation and growth.

1. Post-Programme Support: Six months of continued support to assist with go-to-market strategies and scaling.

1. Alumni Community: Join the Standard Chartered women in tech and  BongoHive Alumni Network for ongoing learning, collaboration, and access to new opportunities and funding.