Five Zambian startups have graduated from the Launch accelerator programme run by the Lusaka-based tech and innovation hub BongoHive.
The five startups went through a series of interventions as part of the third edition of the Launch programme, with BongoHive assisting them through weekly sessions with mentors, accountants and legal counsel.
The demo day event was held at New Government Complex and officiated by the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry of Zambia, Kayula Siame. The unveiled startups were Agrisave, Butali House, Bwangu Print, Estrian Consulting Services and Teejays Business Solutions.
“Government firmly believes that our economy will not reach its full potential without the active participation of Zambian entrepreneurs. We must motivate them to build successful businesses. There many great ideas from all sectors of our economy like the ones we have seen today,” said Siame.
“At BongoHive, we are determined to contribute to local, social and economic development of Zambian startups, to unleash the untapped potential of young people seeking to succeed while making a difference through their careers,” said the hub’s co-founder and executive director Lukonga Lindunda.
Director of entrepreneurship at BongoHive Simunza Muyangana said the aim of the Launch accelerator programme was to help potentially high growth startups be founded on great platforms.
“Events such as the demo day are platforms for startups to be introduced to potential markets, advisers, mentors and investors in the business market for them to have better footing,” he said.
BongoHive continues to offer business development services for startups of all sectors, with applications currently open for the January 2017 cohort of its Discover programme.
