Established in 2011, BongoHive stands as Zambia's premier technology and innovation hub. Located in ZEP-Re Business Park, this hub was founded by a group of enthusiastic programmers determined to address the gaps in coordination, skills exposure, and productivity within the local technology industry. Over the years, BongoHive has emerged as a vital player in nurturing scalable startups and propelling Zambia towards becoming a hotbed of innovation.
Empowering Entrepreneurs
BongoHive provides a comprehensive range of programs that assist entrepreneurs from the ideation phase to securing investment. This support extends through strategic collaborations with various stakeholders, including NGOs, corporations, and educational institutions, ensuring startups receive practical and relevant guidance.
BongoHive's commitment to fostering innovation is also evident in its array of workshops, seminars, and industry networking events which are crucial for community developers working in areas such as gaming and robotics.
Consultancy and Collaborative Success
A pivotal aspect of BongoHive's operation is its consultancy arm, BongoHive Consult. This branch specializes in integrating entrepreneurial thinking into corporate organisations to ignite innovation and drive growth. It uses design thinking to encourage collaboration and co-creation, helping corporates build strong innovation foundations.
Notable Achievements and Initiatives
Several initiatives and projects under BongoHive have had significant impacts:
Digital Health Hackathon: Focused on leveraging technology to enhance healthcare delivery and patient well-being in Zambia, this hackathon has promoted tech-driven solutions to health sector challenges.
Make-IT in Africa Open Innovation Programme: This programme bridges the innovation needs between the private and public sectors with solutions from local startups, emphasising market-relevant tech solutions.
Makhalidwe Athu Project: Through BongoHive Consult Tech, this initiative aimed to improve literacy among Zambian children with mobile stories in local languages, significantly impacting literacy rates and fostering cultural connections.
AGS Program for MSMEs: Collaborating with Zambia’s Ministry for Small and Medium Enterprise Development, this program has been instrumental in accelerating the growth of local MSMEs, thereby enriching the Zambian economy.
A Hub of Continuous Growth
With each initiative, BongoHive demonstrates a steadfast commitment to using technology for social and economic development. The hub's continuous efforts to integrate innovative solutions into practical applications continue to enhance the tech ecosystem in Zambia and beyond.
For those looking to engage more closely with BongoHive's work or explore partnership opportunities, further details can be found on their official website, providing a gateway to a wealth of resources and support for up-and-coming tech entrepreneurs and established businesses alike in Lusaka.