In Zambia’s capital, Lusaka, an innovation hub is playing a pivotal role in transforming dreams into sustainable enterprises. BongoHive, one of the country’s leading technology and innovation spaces, has been nurturing start-ups and driving financial inclusion for over 14 years.
With many African innovators struggling to overcome high operational costs, lack of access to office space, limited internet connectivity, and other logistical challenges, innovation hubs like BongoHive provide much-needed support. They offer affordable workspaces, mentorship, training, and networking opportunities that allow start-ups to move from ideation to implementation.
“We exist to unlock Africa’s potential by helping entrepreneurs build sustainable, scalable businesses,” said Tilyenji Mundungani, Marketing and Communications Lead at BongoHive. “To date, we’ve supported more than 2,800 start-ups, including over 1,000 women-led enterprises.”
Among BongoHive’s flagship programs is the Standard Chartered Women in Tech initiative, which has funded 160 Zambian female founders with grants of up to $20,000 each. Through such targeted programs, BongoHive is not only enabling access to capital but also addressing gender disparities in the start-up ecosystem.
Recognizing a widespread gap in financial literacy, BongoHive has launched various programs focused on equipping entrepreneurs with the financial knowledge they need to thrive. These include the Investor Ready Hackathon, delivered in partnership with MTN Zambia, and the FinTech For You initiative, which strengthens financial understanding among budding innovators.
Still, Mundungani acknowledges that challenges persist. “Rigid policies, limited funding, and difficulty accessing global markets are major hurdles. But we’re committed to pushing through—and we welcome partnerships that can help us support more start-ups, especially women-led businesses.”
BongoHive featured on Day 8 of the #40Days40FinTechs initiative – Zambia and Malawi edition. While it is not a FinTech itself, the hub is home to several FinTech innovators who are building the future of inclusive finance.
Now in its fifth year, 40 Days 40 FinTechs has showcased over 200 innovations from East and Southern Africa, giving visibility to impactful solutions and opening doors to partnerships, funding, and mentorship. The initiative promotes financial inclusion through tools like the Level One Project, Mojaloop, and other inclusive financial technologies.
