Seven Startups make it into the BongoHive Launch programme

Zambian startup hub BongoHive kicked off its Launch Accelerator programme this week by inviting seven startups as its fifth cohort.

During the 12-week programme, startups will undergo a series of workshops and get to share a co-working space with other Launch startups.

The startups will also be matched with an industry mentor, have access to legal advice and be able to work with BongoHive’s in-house accounting and finance lead.

Some of the mentors on the programme include Irene Banda Mutalima, founder and director Tucuza Associates; Mwawi Phiri, senior manager procurement and logistics at MTN and Mawano Kambeu, founder and MD at Dot Com Zambia. 

The seven startups selected for the programme are:

• eMsika — an agricultural ecommerce platform established in 2016
• EasyCook — a food processing service
• Gamers Entertainment Meet — an entertainment company striving to connect the gaming youth of Zambia
• Kreate — a home improvement startup
• Ludo Hub — a gaming startup which develops consoles and aims to promote gaming culture in Zambia
• Orbitrix Programming Solutions — an ecommerce platform in the education sector
• Unforgettable Moments — a gifting startup that aims to create the best gifts for customers

BongoHive participants want to learn all they can about boosting their business

Gilbert Mwale the co-founder of eMsika, commented on his expectations of the programme in a press release.

“I applied to get into Launch after a while of following its activities online. As a company, we want to learn what it takes to expand our business to other towns and countries.” He also added that he wishes to “define exactly the roles of team members, put our financial records in order, receive mentorship on the unknown stride steps ahead of us.”

Chipego Temani Lungu, the co-founder of Orbitrix Programming Solutions said he is looking forward to the chance to learn new things. “In Zambia, even in what is considered a developed Lusaka city, it is incredibly difficult to get reliable mentorship and so Launch for me is a learning experience of a lifetime.”

At the conclusion of the programme, participating startups will get to pitch to investors, mentors and BongoHive partner representatives at the BongoHive demo night.

Featured image via YouTube