Meet Zambia’s First Technology and Innovation Hub BongoHive

Zambia based BongoHive as the name reflects is a platform for fostering technology and innovative activities ranging from tech programmes, events, and other tech-focused activities. Also, it is Zambia’s first technology and innovation hub. The African tech ecosystem is on the rise and it is soothing to see many African countries like Zambia claiming her space in the ecosystem. In an interview with Innovation Village, Co-Founder, Lukonga Lindunda takes us on a trip into the Hive and also sheds light on the growing Zambia tech and startup ecosystem.

Can we meet the Founders of BongoHive and what year was the platform launched?

BongoHive was co-founded by Lukonga Lindunda, Bart Cornille, Simunza Muyangana, and Silumesii Maboshe. BongoHive is Zambia’s first technology and innovation hub and was established in May 2011. We are based in Lusaka, Zambia. I (Lukonga) have over 9 years of experience working with entrepreneurs and development partners and I am the Executive Director. I have previously provided technical assistance in educational projects and programmes by building sustainable and affordable ICT infrastructure and support systems.

What is BongoHive all about and what does it have to offer?

We provide a range of startup and tech programmes, workshops and events all focused on making Zambia Africa’s next hotbed of innovation. The programmes that we have created have been crafted to guide startups through the entrepreneurial journey; from idea right through to getting investment.

What inspired the founding of BongoHive?

We sought to address the gaps we experienced working within the local technology industry leading to a lack of coordination, skills exposure, and productivity. BongoHive has evolved to assist scalable startups of any background by enhancing skills, accelerating growth, strengthening networks, increasing collaboration, providing a forum for ideas exchange and reducing the barriers to entrepreneurship.

What is unique about BongoHive?

We have developed programmes that address key stages of a startup’s lifecycle while learning and adapting based on experiences in other ecosystems across the globe. We never copy and paste and are always looking to evolve our programmes and iterate as we go.

How does BongoHive work?

We have six core programmes:

Spark :SPARK Coding and Electronics Bootcamp by BongoHive is a fun project-based programme hosted during the long school holidays to introduce young people to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and computer programming. By participating in the programme, young people learn fundamental electronics, entrepreneurship and science concepts, with practical build sessions in which they get to learn how to turn ideas into solutions.

X :Student-focused entrepreneurship programmes to share knowledge, collaborate and be the ultimate platform for young people to realize their entrepreneurial potential. The programme focuses on imparting skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, business modeling, customer research and strategy, and digital marketing.

Discover Startup Pre-Accelerator: Discover is a structured three-week program designed for aspiring entrepreneurs that are equipped with a business idea but need help transitioning the idea to reality.  Discover takes on ten (10) startups and runs six times per year. Once startups complete the Discover program, we expect them to begin operating their businesses.

Launch Startup Accelerator: Once Discover startups complete Discover, we expect them to begin operating their businesses.  The launch is a semi-structured program that runs for twelve (12) weeks, twice a year, in which where ten (10) startups try to gain market traction.  They are matched with mentors throughout the process and meet weekly as a group to discuss common issues; have weekly topical sessions. They also as well as schedule office hours with meeting weekly the internal team covering areas such as Strategy, Finance with our Head of Entrepreneurship and, our Accounting, and Legal Lead.

The Launch program culminates in a Demo Day where program participants pitch to over 200 attendees which include investors, mentors, and partners. In addition, Launch startups and have access to our in-house Compliance Officer.

Thrive Startup Incubator: Upon completion of Launch, we identify those businesses most likely to succeed and continue achieving growth.  We invite only the most promising startups to join our Thrive program, unique and flexible program tailor-made for each company. This structuring program allows, over a 6 – 18-month cycle, to set up and develop a system and strategies to achieve the objectives of the company.

Masterclasses: Although the programs listed above provide much of the required support and training to see startups thrive, most startups require some additional issue- specific support. We provide a range of masterclasses designed to directly build any startups’ capacity in areas where skills-gaps are most common in amongst BongoHive startups and Zambian businesses at large.

What has the traction been like since its launch?

We have 15 staff members and have multiple revenue streams. We receive grants; operate a consulting company, leverage on partnerships, with entrepreneurs paying to participate in our entrepreneurship programmes. 50% of our revenue is non-grant related.

What are the future plans for BongoHive?

We are ramping up our programming in tertiary institutions. The partnerships we build with academia are expected to have a positive influence on the quality of entrepreneurs and ideas generated by students. This is part of our quest to create a more cohesive and supportive local ecosystem that leverages on existing players.

We are also collaborating with other hubs in the regionally; namely mHub Malawi and TechVillage in Zimbabwe via the Southern Africa Venture Partnership, a collaboration setup to encourage sharing of best practices and also the execution of regional programmes leading to better opportunities for scaling of startups.

 What do you have to say about the evolving African startup ecosystem?

I am very positive about the potential for growth of the ecosystem. Africa has 54 countries with diverse differences and commonalities and the only way we can unlock opportunities is when we think beyond our borders and collaborate. We have many nascent startup country ecosystems but we have the opportunity to learn from other successful ecosystems and make great strides in creating conducive environments that harness entrepreneurship and innovation.

How well do you think the Zambian startup ecosystem is faring in the African space?

Zambia is an amazing country with lots of opportunities. We are certainly a hidden gem but are seeing many more companies choose to launch operations in Zambia after the major hubs in East, West and South Africa. I believe most people don’t know about Zambia because we are not as aggressive as other more prominent ecosystems. However, this is beginning to change.