The BongoHive Podcast
By BongoHive
BongoHive is Zambia’s first technology and innovation hub. Established in May 2011 and based in Lusaka, we work with great minds building viable solutions that change the world.
Want to start or grow your business? Call +260 95 301 7526, send an email to contactus@bongohive.co.zm or visit www.bongohive.co.zm for more information.
The BongoHive PodcastMar 24, 2020
S2 Episode 10: The Value of African Tech Hubs with Martin Labbé, CK Japheth, and Aziz Sy
In the final episode of Season 2, we pick up on the conversation about entrepreneurship and tech hubs in Africa. What do tech hubs provide entrepreneurs and how can they continue to support the startup ecosystem? How do tech hubs function, and what support do they need to continue to function? Our guests, Martin Labbé from the UN International Trade Centre (ITC), and hub leaders CK Japheth and Aziz Sy, weigh in.
This episode also references the UN ITC's 2020 report - Tech Hubs in Africa: Supporting Start-ups (Second Edition).
Guests:
Martin Labbé is the Tech Sector Development Coordinator at the UN International Trade Centre (ITC). The ITC is the UN agency supporting SME and startup internationalisation, based in Geneva. Martin is responsible for coordinating ITC's activities in tech sector development in Africa. ITC are active in a third of African countries, and supporting tech hubs is an essential part of ITC's work as they are agents of sustainability and scale.
CK Japheth is the founder of The Innovation Village, based in Uganda.
Aziz Sy is founder of Impact Hub Dakar.
S2 Episode 9: The Evolution of the Tech Entrepreneurship Ecosystem with Lukonga Lindunda, Bernard Banda, and Milou van Bruggen
We discuss the different elements involved in setting up a (tech) business, what startup support is available for entrepreneurs and what can be made available, and the role of tech hubs in the ecosystem. We also look at the Tech Hubs in Africa: Supporting Startups report (2nd Edition), published in July 2020 by the UN International Trade Centre, which examines hubs across the continent, how they operate and their impact.
Our guests:
Lukonga Lindunda is a co-founder and Executive Director of BongoHive.
Bernard Banda is currently the Acting Director, Economic Regulation at Zambia Infomation and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA). At the time of recording, he was Manager Policy and Research - responsible for the generation of evidence to support regulatory decision making at ZICTA and also coordinated research and development initiatives at ZICTA which include the ICT innovation Programme.
Milou van Bruggen is an Associate Programme Officer with the UN International Trade Centre. Her role involves supporting startups and SMEs in the tech sector in Africa.
S2 Episode 8: A Green Economy and Sustainable Business Practices with Chama Sikazwe, Samson Sahmland-Bowling, and Chanda Mwale
In this episode, we look at creating a Green Economy for Africa through the Integration of Sustainable Business Practices. Our guests will walk us through the benefits of green integration to business owners and society, and how to make these practices cost-effective.
Our Guests:
Chama Sikazwe is the Founder of Recycle Planet, a company that provides comprehensive management of waste as part of an innovative system of collection and recovery of recyclable waste items through a mobile application.
Samson Sahmland-Bowling is the Founding Director of Open Energy Labs, which teaches young people how to build renewable energy systems.
Chanda Mwale is a Natural Resource and Sustainability expert and consults on projects in relation to those areas.
S2 Episode 7: Internationalization of Small and Growing Businesses with Martha Mbewe and Kö Goma
This episode is focused on how small and growing businesses can explore and move into international markets. We speak to Martha Mbewe of UBUCHI who shares her business’s experience exporting honey out of Zambia, and international consultant Ko Goma who breaks down what businesses should consider when going international.
Our Guests:
Martha Mbewe is the Quality Control Manager at UBUCHI, a Zambian business that processes and sells pure organic honey locally and internationally.
Kô Goma is an International Consultant at the ITC Fast-Tracking Digital Entrepreneurship program in Africa. His work involves building, and deploying innovative growth strategies, training, and market insights to support tech startups' internationalization in Africa.
The #FastTrackTech program is implemented by the International Trade Centre to support digital entrepreneurs who aspire to international growth in Africa thanks to targeted coaching and training offers as well as matchmaking with potential clients and investors.
S2 Episode 6: Building a Business that Sells to Enterprise with Chinedu Koggu, Chilekwa Banda and Lamine Barro
In this episode, we’re talking about how to build a business that sells to enterprises. Our guests chatted to us about securing contracts with businesses, corporates, and government institutions. We feature Chinedu Koggu of Probase, Chilekwa Banda of Digital PayGo, and Lamine Barro of Etudesk as our guests in this episode.
Our guests:
Chinedu Koggu is the Chief Technical Officer at Probase, an IT Software and Value Added Services FinTech company based in Zambia.
Chilekwa Banda was the Head of Strategic Partnerships at Digital PayGo at the time of recording this podcast. Digital PayGo is a recently launched Zambian FinTech company that aims to facilitate a shared digital marketplace for digital financial solutions in Zambia.
Lamine Barro is the Founder and CEO of Etudesk based in the Ivory Coast. Etudesk is an EdTech online-learning platform that is designed to help companies and academic institutions to digitalize their training offers and make them more accessible to people.
S2 Episode 5: Strategic SME and Corporate Partnerships with Chabu Muchinshi, Gilbert Mwale and Jessica Chisompola
We explore business partnerships - how to identify potential partners and secure beneficial strategic partnerships. The episode features 3 guests who, through their businesses and their roles, take us through the journey of securing partnerships and strategic collaborations.
The episode features interviews with Chabu Muchinshi (Ace Smart Technologies - Smart Revision Zambia), Gilbert Mwale (eMsika), and Jessica Chisompola (Zanaco).
Our guests:
Chabu Muchinshi is CEO at Ace Smart Technologies, which is a Zambian technology company that focuses on education-based services with its product, Smart Revision Zambia.
Gilbert Mwale is CEO at eMsika which is a platform for wholesale and retail trade in agriculture-related products.
Jessica Chisompola is Head Strategic Alliances, Digital Banking at Zanaco Bank. In her role, she is responsible for signing up strategic partnerships with banking and non-banking partners for various business sectors and industries in line with the Digital Strategy.
S2 Episode 4: The Wave of Digitization with Afshon Wallace Ngige, Perseus Mlambo, Innocent Mandona, and Tasila Banda
We discuss the role that digitization plays in the business sector, by addressing ways in which tech is transforming businesses and business models, especially during COVID-19. The episode features interviews with entrepreneurs Afshon Wallace Ngige of Afridelivery, Perseus Mlambo of Zazu, and representatives from the National Technology Business Centre (NTBC) from Zambia.
Our guests:
(VOXPOP) Silumesii Maboshe - BongoHive Co-founder and Head of BongoHive Consult.
Afshon Wallace Ngige is the CEO of AfriDelivery, which is an online platform that allows users to order different goods and services and have them delivered to their location.
Perseus Mlambo is the CEO of Zazu Africa, a smart digital-money account that helps users manage their finances.
From the National Technology Business Center, we were joined by Innocent Mandona and Tasila Banda, Manager - Marketing and Technology and Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, respectively. NTBC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Higher Education, mandated to commercialise innovations and to conduct technology transfer.
S2 Episode 3: Out of the Box Approaches to Exploring Business Markets with Mafipe Chunga, Kupela Clarke, Simunza Muyangana, and Mutoba Ngoma
This episode explores out-of-the-box entrepreneurship, with interviews about setting up a niche business and pivoting with property owners Mafipe Chunga and Kupela Clarke of OneSquareK, and innovative biodiesel-turned-soap business owner, Mutoba Ngoma of Tapera Industries. BongoHive cofounder and Director of Entrepreneurship, Simunza Muyangana, also shares his insights on setting up businesses and finding niche markets.
S2 Episode 2: Business Continuity: An Entrepreneur’s Journey Through a Pandemic with Chishimba and Monde Nyambe, and Brian Ross
We explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on local businesses, speaking to business owners Chishimba and Monde Nyambe, and Brian Ross from Prospero Zambia. We also hear from Sophie Nanteza, who shares key learnings about business continuity during these unprecedented times.
Our guests:
Chishimba and Monde Nyambe, Managing Partners at PR Girl Media. They specialise in traditional and digital Public Relations solutions, that also include event management.
Brain Ross is the Deputy CEO and Sector Head for Tourism and Hospitality at Prospero Zambia. His role within Prospero focuses on ensuring effective overall delivery of the company’s strategy and also facilitating meaningful investments to drive inclusive growth of MSMEs within Zambia’s tourism, artisanal products and conservation sectors.
Sophie Nanteza is an International Consultant for the UN International Trade Centre. She works with tech entrepreneurs across sub-Saharan Africa, to develop and implement business models and processes with the intent to grow sustainable businesses.
S2 Episode 1: Bootstrapping with Sara Drawwater, Pearl Chunga, Serena Jhala, and Asha Mweru-Mbowa
We discuss the process of building a business from scratch without attracting investment or with minimal external capital and how that impacts businesses. The episode showcases interviews with entrepreneurs Sara Drawwater, Pearl Chunga and Serena Jhala in Zambia. It also features regional insights from Asha Mweru-Mbowa who is an Investment Advisor from Kenya.
Our guests:
Sara Drawwater is the Marketing Director at InfoBwana (former The Best of Zambia) and ShopBwana. InfoBwana is a site to find useful information about businesses in Zambia and ShopBwana is an online shopping and delivery system, cultivating a thriving e-commerce culture in Zambia.
Pearl Chunga and Serena Jhala are co-owners of Pink Champagne Event Planners, based in Zambia. They specialize in private and corporate events.
Asha Mweru-Mbowa is the founder of WomenWork Kenya, the go-to network for ambitious female professionals & entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa. She also works as an Investment Advisor on numerous projects.
Season 2: What to Expect (Trailer)
Season 2 of the BongoHive Podcast has been created in collaboration with the UN International Trade Centre (ITC) #FastTrackTech Africa Initiative. We will explore the entrepreneurial journeys of startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses and hear insights from trainers and experts. Our guests come from Zambia, and other countries on the African continent, covering a variety of topics that seek to inspire and help build more entrepreneurs in Africa.
Learn more about: BongoHive, the ITC, and the #FastTrackTech Africa Initiative.
Episode 10: Funding in The African Context with Rodney Carew and Simunza Muyangana
This episode gives budding entrepreneurs an insight into what investors look for in start-ups and how to make sure that they are investor-ready. Rodney Carew, Head of Open Capital Advisors Zambia, shares his insights from an investor's perspective. It also features insights from Simunza Muyangana, BongoHive Co-founder and Director - Entrepreneurship.
Want to start or grow your business? Call +260 95 301 7526, send an email to contactus@bongohive.co.zm or visit www.bongohive.co.zm for more information.
Episode 9: The Secret Struggle with Cathy Phiri and Nankonde Kasonde
This episode takes a real look at the secret struggle of an entrepreneur. Catherine Phiri, Co-founder at Media 365 gets personal and lifts the veil off of the day to day struggles of an entrepreneur. Organizational Change Architect & Behaviour Specialist, Nankonde Kasonde, helps us understand how to navigate the choppy waters of entrepreneurship.
Want to start or grow your business? Call +260 95 301 7526, send an email to contactus@bongohive.co.zm or visit www.bongohive.co.zm for more information.
Episode 8: Building the Dream Team with Christina Syafunko and Lukonga Lindunda
This episode explores how to go about building the right team to help young entrepreneurs businesses grow. Christina Syafunko of Kamanga Wear offers her insights, while key learnings are presented by BongoHive representative, Lukonga Lindunda, Co-founder and Executive Director.
Want to start or grow your business? Call +260 95 301 7526, send an email to contactus@bongohive.co.zm or visit www.bongohive.co.zm for more information.
Episode 7: Nail Your Networking with Alfred Chirwa and Lukonga Lindunda
This episode explores how to navigate networking events and hone your skills as a budding entrepreneur. Alfred Chirwa, an experienced Managing Consultant shares his experience and tips on how to network expertly and with success. Lukonga Lindunda, BongoHive Co-founder and Executive Director provides more context to the topic.
Want to start or grow your business? Call +260 95 301 7526, send an email to contactus@bongohive.co.zm or visit www.bongohive.co.zm for more information.
Episode 6: Selling it Strong with Emma Harvey and Amadeus Musumali
This episode gives a budding entrepreneur insight into what it takes to sell their product or services strategically, successfully and with confidence. It will explore key learnings from Emma Harvey, Business Development Consultant, who will share what tactics she employed to sell successfully and stand out in the market with brands such as Zambezi Pineapples and others. Sales guru, Amadeus Musumali, will provide further context and tips from his background in sales.
Want to start or grow your business? Call +260 95 301 7526, send an email to contactus@bongohive.co.zm or visit www.bongohive.co.zm for more information.
Episode 5: Building a Compelling Brand with Towani Clarke (Kutowa) and Emma Troughton
This episode explores how to build a compelling brand. It will explore key learnings from Towani Clarke, founder of Kutowa, an afro-chic clothes and accessories label. Key Learnings are provided by Emma Troughton - Country Manager at Tilt Africa, Ex-Innovation & Pre-Accelerator Lead at BongoHive.
Want to start or grow your business? Call +260 95 301 7526, send an email to contactus@bongohive.co.zm or visit www.bongohive.co.zm for more information.
Episode 4: Looking Ahead with Elijah Zgambo and Malama Mwilwa
This episode explores the importance of day-to-day and long-term financial planning for small and growing businesses. It will explore key learnings from Elijah Zgambo, a young entrepreneur who co-founded Street Culture Zambia, a talent and entertainment company in Zambia. It will also have key learnings from, Malama Mwilwa, Ex-Accounting and Finance Lead at BongoHive
Want to start or grow your business? Call +260 95 301 7526, send an email to contactus@bongohive.co.zmor visit www.bongohive.co.zm for more information.
Episode 3: Know Thy Customer with Njavwa Mutambo and Emma Troughton
This episode explores how a young entrepreneur was able to change elements of his customer journey and his business model from customer feedback. It will explore key learnings from Njavwa Mutambo, founder of Musanga, a logistics startup connecting shippers and carriers in real-time. Emma Troughton - Country Manager at Tilt Africa, Ex-Innovation & Pre-Accelerator Lead at BongoHive, provides additional commentary.
Want to start or grow your business? Call +260 95 301 7526, send an email to contactus@bongohive.co.zm or visit www.bongohive.co.zm for more information.
Episode 2: Solo or Co-founder with Sam Musariri and Mark Mondoka
This episode explores whether a budding entrepreneur should go it alone or team up with someone to share the challenges and successes of entrepreneurship. It explores key learnings from Sam Musariri, Co-founder of health-tech startups Bwino, iVitals and Teledoctor. Mark Mondoka, entrepreneur and BongoHive mentor also adds comments.
Want to start or grow your business? Call +260 95 301 7526, send an email to contactus@bongohive.co.zm or visit www.bongohive.co.zm for more information.
Episode 1 - Leap of Faith with Castro Shanobe and Simunza Muyangana
In this episode, we explore what it takes to be an entrepreneur and some of the key learnings associated. The episode showcases the interview and narrated story of Castro Shanobe, Co-Founder/CEO of NewTech Recycling, a young startup making headway in the recycling industry. It also features insights from Simunza Muyangana, BongoHive Co-founder and Director - Entrepreneurship.
Want to start or grow your business? Call +260 95 301 7526, send an email to contactus@bongohive.co.zm or visit www.bongohive.co.zm for more information.
What to Expect - BongoHive Podcast
The BongoHive Podcast is serialised audio content taking listeners through the various challenges they may face as budding entrepreneurs and how to tackle them.
Here is what to expect for the next ten (10) weekly episodes.