Application Deadline: 28 May 2025
Applications are now open for the Standard Chartered Women in Technology Incubator Cohort 5 Program 2025 .The Zambia Women in Tech Zambia Accelerator programme, implemented by BongoHive Innovations, is an accelerator designed to support women-led, tech-based and tech-enabled businesses in Zambia. The programme combines world-class training, strategic mentorship, and equity-free funding to help female entrepreneurs grow their startups and scale sustainable solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Eligibility Requirements
Startups must meet the following criteria:
- Legally registered for-profit business (less than 10 employees) must have been registered with PACRA for at least 3 months.
- Headquartered and operational in Zambia.
- Revenue-generating (under $100,000 annually)
- Have raised less than $500,000 in equity.
- Have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and proven traction (users, partnerships, revenue, etc.).
- At least one female founder with equal or majority ownership.
- One full-time founder must be based in Zambia and must be able to participate in all programme activities from 23 June – 9 October 2025.
- The founder should be 18–35 years old.
- The business must be tech-based or tech-enabled, addressing one of the thematic challenge areas.
Program Benefits
3-Month acceleration
Structured training focused on business strategy, growth, and operations.
Professional Mentorship
Expert guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, strategic partners, and industry specialists.
Technical & Business Support
Access to legal, financial, accounting, and digital services.
Milestone Development Plan
Create a personalized milestone development plan towards investment readiness, growth, and impact utilizing Abaca, VilCap’s online milestone tracking tool
Financial Analysis
Access to 1:1 coaching with an investment analyst focused on building a financial model and financial narratives.
Networking Opportunities
Meet investors, corporates, and potential strategic partners.
Media Exposure
Increased visibility through media and public events.
Equity-Free Grant
$10,000 awarded to 5 selected businesses to scale their solutions.
Market Expansion Support
Six months of targeted post-programme support designed to help you scale operations and deepen your market reach.
Alumni Community
Join an active network of women tech founders and BongoHive alumni for ongoing collaboration and support.
Application Timeline:
- Applications Open: 28 April 2025
- Applications Close: 28 May 2025
- Top 20 Selection: 29 May – 17 June 2025
- Top 20 Bootcamp: 23 June – 2 July 2025
- Top 10 Announcement: 4 July 2025
- Acceleration Phase: 7 July – 25 September 2025
- Demo Day9 : October 2025
- Post Programme Support: 14 October 2025 – 27 February 2026
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Standard Chartered Women in Technology Incubator Cohort 5 Program
