BongoHive has launched the Green Recycling Enterprises Engaging in New Technology for a Circular Economy (GreenTech4CE) Digital Economy Incubator and Accelerator, a 12-month programme co-funded by the European Union to strengthen Zambia’s green digital entrepreneurship ecosystem. The initiative is designed to support early-stage digital enterprises that are developing solutions aligned with green and circular economy principles, providing them with the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to grow. By targeting enterprises in Lusaka and the Copperbelt, the programme ensures that regional innovation hubs benefit from structured support that accelerates enterprise development. This launch reflects a commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurship while addressing environmental and economic challenges. It also positions Zambia as a leading hub for digital solutions that integrate sustainability into business practices.
The programme will initially support 40 digital startups, offering incubation support that helps validate minimum viable products, refine business models, and strengthen technical and managerial capacity. Participants receive guidance on product development, market testing, and scaling strategies, equipping them with the practical skills needed to navigate Zambia’s competitive digital economy. Structured mentorship and access to networks enable startups to overcome common challenges such as limited technical expertise, lack of market validation, and restricted access to finance. By addressing these barriers, GreenTech4CE empowers entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses. The initiative also provides a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and visibility, helping ventures establish themselves in both national and regional markets.
High-performing ventures from the incubation phase will progress to an acceleration stage, where funding ranging from €2,500 to €25,000 will be available to support further product development, market testing, and scaling activities. This financial support complements mentorship and technical guidance, enabling startups to expand operations, reach new customers, and demonstrate their market potential. By linking financial resources with capacity-building support, GreenTech4CE creates an ecosystem where startups can thrive and contribute to Zambia’s circular and green economy. The programme’s focus on measurable outcomes ensures that investments translate into tangible results for both entrepreneurs and the broader economy. This model demonstrates the effectiveness of combining structured incubation with targeted acceleration to achieve sustainable growth.
GreenTech4CE also addresses persistent gaps within Zambia’s digital entrepreneurship ecosystem, particularly the limitations early-stage ventures face in accessing expertise, finance, and business networks. By providing comprehensive support, the programme strengthens the overall entrepreneurship ecosystem and encourages the development of impact-driven digital enterprises. Ventures supported by the initiative are better positioned to generate employment, innovate responsibly, and contribute to sustainable economic growth. The programme’s focus on green and circular economy solutions also aligns with Zambia’s broader environmental and economic objectives, promoting businesses that reduce waste, enhance resource efficiency, and create long-term value. Through this approach, GreenTech4CE reinforces the connection between entrepreneurship, sustainability, and national development.
BongoHive’s GreenTech4CE Digital Economy Incubator and Accelerator represents a major step forward for Zambia’s green digital entrepreneurship landscape. By providing structured support, mentorship, funding, and market access, the programme empowers startups to transform innovative ideas into scalable and sustainable businesses. Its focus on Lusaka and Copperbelt ensures regional inclusivity, while its alignment with the circular economy promotes environmentally responsible enterprise development. Backed by BongoHive’s experience and the European Union’s partnership, GreenTech4CE strengthens Zambia’s digital ecosystem and fosters sustainable economic growth. This initiative positions Zambia as a hub for impact-driven innovation, demonstrating the power of combining entrepreneurship with sustainability to drive national and regional development.