New Incubator for Green Digital Startups Launched in Zambia
In an exciting development for Zambia’s digital landscape, BongoHive has introduced a 12-month incubator and accelerator program, designed specifically to enhance green digital entrepreneurship in the region. This initiative, named GreenTech4CE (Green Recycling Enterprises Engaging in New Technology for a Circular Economy in Zambia), is co-funded by the European Union and aims to provide robust support for 40 early-stage digital enterprises based in Lusaka and the Copperbelt.
GreenTech4CE will focus on supporting startups that create solutions consistent with green and circular economy principles, significantly helping entrepreneurs to validate and refine their minimum viable products. The program also aims to solidify their technical and business foundations and prepare these ventures for market expansion. Applications for this innovative program close on April 5, 2026.
Addressing Gaps in Zambia’s Green Digital Ecosystem
The GreenTech4CE program directly addresses existing gaps in Zambia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Many founders struggle with access to vital technical expertise, patient capital, and strong business networks. These limitations often hinder promising innovations from reaching the market or scaling beyond their initial pilot phases.
To combat these challenges, the program will select 40 startups to receive tailored incubation support, including technical audits, business model development, and mentorship. The primary objective is to empower entrepreneurs to strengthen their products and establish sustainable revenue-generating models.
Funded by the European Union and implemented by BongoHive Innovations in collaboration with Self Help Africa, the program represents a commitment to sustainable digital transformation in Zambia. By bolstering impact-driven digital enterprises, the initiative aspires to foster enterprise development, create jobs, and contribute to long-term economic resilience.
Top-performing ventures will progress to an acceleration phase where they can access non-equity grant funding of €2,500 to €25,000. This funding is aimed at supporting product development, market testing, and scaling operations, and is tied to clearly defined growth targets.
A Structured Journey from Validation to Acceleration
The GreenTech4CE initiative comprises four distinct phases, meticulously designed to guide startups from validation to scaling.
Phase One: Recruitment and Design Sprints
Running from March 26 to April 5, 2026, the first phase will focus on recruitment and initial design sprints. Entrepreneurs will participate in a two-day in-person sprint in Lusaka, Ndola, and Kitwe. Founders will refine their minimum viable products and submit robust applications during this stage.
Phase Two: Design Lab
Following that, the second phase, known as the Design Lab, will take place online from April 20 to June 19, 2026. Over two months, startups will undergo comprehensive technical evaluations and human-centered design refinement, optimizing their technology for scalability and measurable impact.
Phase Three: Incubation
The third phase, running from June 22 to October 23, 2026, will be a hybrid incubation phase. The 40 selected startups will partake in group learning sessions, specialized technical clinics, and personalized coaching focused on creating sustainable business models.
Phase Four: Acceleration
The final phase, scheduled online from November 2, 2026, to February 27, 2027, is an exclusive acceleration stage for the top 10 performers. This phase will feature intensive mentorship and grant disbursement based on milestones to assist in scaling their operations.
Diverging from traditional classroom-based approaches, GreenTech4CE is crafted for active builders, offering blended financing through non-equity grants, CTO as a Service technical audits, investor readiness support, and access to an extensive network of legal advisors and circular economy experts.
Eligibility and Program Policies
To qualify for the program, applicants must be primarily based in Lusaka or the Copperbelt. Their core business should revolve around digital technology but must exclude the agriculture sector. Startups are required to possess a minimum viable product with substantial validation such as active users, pilot studies, strategic partnerships, or revenue, as idea-only applications will not be entertained. Additionally, businesses must be legally registered with PACRA, and founders must agree to participate in both physical and virtual sessions throughout the program.
GreenTech4CE maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding fraud, corruption, and exploitation while emphasizing gender and youth inclusion, particularly encouraging applications from women-led and youth-led enterprises under the age of 35.
