BongoHive has launched a new 12 month incubator and accelerator programme aimed at strengthening green digital entrepreneurship in Zambia. The initiative, called Green Recycling Enterprises Engaging in New Technology for a Circular Economy in Zambia or GreenTech4CE, is co funded by the European Union and will support 40 early stage digital enterprises based in Lusaka and the Copperbelt.
The programme is designed to help startups that are building solutions aligned with green and circular economy principles. It will provide structured support to help founders validate and refine their minimum viable products, strengthen their technical and business foundations and prepare for market growth. Applications close on 5 April 2026.
By targeting businesses that are already building and testing solutions, the initiative aims to move beyond ideas and focus on ventures that are ready to scale their impact.
Closing Gaps in Zambia’s Green Digital Ecosystem
GreenTech4CE responds to clear gaps that continue to limit early stage ventures in Zambia. Many founders struggle to access technical expertise, patient capital and strong business networks. Without these, even promising innovations fail to reach the market or grow beyond pilot stage.
Through this programme, 40 selected startups will receive incubation support tailored to their needs. This includes technical audits, business model development and mentorship. The focus is on helping entrepreneurs strengthen their products and build sustainable revenue generating models.
The initiative is funded by the European Union and implemented by BongoHive Innovations in partnership with Self Help Africa. It reflects a shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable digital transformation in Zambia. By supporting impact driven digital enterprises, the programme aims to contribute to enterprise development, job creation and long term economic resilience.
High performing ventures will advance to an acceleration phase where they can access non equity grant funding ranging from €2,500 to €25,000. This funding will support product development, market testing and scaling efforts. The grants are milestone driven and tied to clear growth targets.
A Structured Path from Validation to Acceleration
GreenTech4CE is structured in four phases designed to move startups from validation to scale.
Phase One runs from 26 March to 5 April 2026 and focuses on recruitment and design sprints. Entrepreneurs will take part in a two day in person sprint in Lusaka, Ndola and Kitwe. During this stage, founders will refine their minimum viable products, validate their problem solution fit and submit strong applications.
Phase Two, the Design Lab, runs online from 20 April to 19 June 2026. Over two months, startups will undergo comprehensive technical audits and human centered design refinement. The aim is to optimise their technology stacks for scalability and measurable impact.
Phase Three is the incubation phase, running from 22 June to 23 October 2026 in a hybrid format. The top 40 startups will receive group learning sessions, specialised technical clinics and coaching support. The focus is on building sustainable and revenue generating business models.
Phase Four is the acceleration stage, taking place online from 2 November 2026 to 27 February 2027. This phase is exclusive to the top 10 performers. It includes intensive one on one mentorship and milestone based grant disbursement to support scaling.
Unlike traditional classroom based incubators, GreenTech4CE is designed for active builders. Participants will benefit from blended financing in the form of non equity grants, specialised CTO as a Service technical clinics to audit code and refine tech stacks, investor readiness support through curated events and access to a strong ecosystem of legal advisors, circular economy experts and mentors.
To qualify, applicants must be primarily based in Lusaka or the Copperbelt. Their core business must be in digital technology, operating in any sector except agriculture. Startups must already have a minimum viable product with meaningful validation such as active users, pilot studies, strategic partnerships or revenue. Idea only applications will not be accepted. Businesses must also be legally registered with PACRA and founders must commit to participating in both physical and virtual sessions throughout the programme.
GreenTech4CE operates under a zero tolerance policy on fraud, corruption and exploitation. It also places strong emphasis on gender and youth inclusion, encouraging women led and youth led enterprises under the age of 35 to apply.
