Women in Tech Zambia

About Programme

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).

Eligibility Criteria

Startups must meet the following criteria:

• Legally registered for-profit business (less than 10 employees) must have been registered with PACRA for at least 3 months.
• Headquartered and operational in Zambia.
• Revenue-generating (under $100,000 annually).
• Have raised less than $500,000 in equity.
• Have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and proven traction (users, partnerships, revenue, etc.).
• At least one female founder with equal or majority ownership.
• One full-time founder must be based in Zambia.
• The founder should be 18–35 years old.
• The business must be tech-based or tech-enabled, addressing one of the thematic challenge areas.
• Must be able to participate in all programme activities from 23 June – 9 October 2025.

Thematic Areas

• Health Technology: Innovating for Equitable Health Access
• Education Technology: Empowering the Next Generation
• Financial Technology: Empowering Entrepreneurs in Zambia
• Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies: Empowering Entrepreneurs
• Access Technology: Inclusive Innovations for Persons with Disabilities

Programme Benefits

Selected startups will receive:

• 3-Month Business Incubation: Structured training focused on business strategy, growth, and operations.
• Professional Mentorship: Expert guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, strategic partners, and industry specialists.
• Technical & Business Support: Access to legal, financial, accounting, and digital services.
• Milestone Development Plan: Create a personalized milestone development plan towards investment readiness, growth, and impact utilizing Abaca, VilCap’s online milestone tracking tool
• Financial Analysis: Access to 1:1 coaching with an investment analyst focused on building a financial model and financial narratives.
• Networking Opportunities: Meet investors, corporates, and potential strategic partners.
• Media Exposure: Increased visibility through media and public events.
• Equity-Free Grant: $10,000 awarded to 5 selected businesses to scale their solutions.
• Market Expansion Support: Six months of targeted post-programme support designed to help you scale operations and deepen your market reach.
• Alumni Community: Join an active network of women tech founders and BongoHive alumni for ongoing collaboration and support.