When Dr. Kayanda Besa joined the Standard Chartered Women in Tech Programme, she brought with her a clear and deeply personal mission: to promote screen-free, play-based learning for children through quality, locally relevant educational resources. Today, WilaWane Store stands as a compelling example of how women-led innovation, when supported by the right ecosystem, can translate vision into measurable impact.

Launched in April 2023 as an online-only store, WilaWane entered the Zambian market at a time when parents and caregivers were increasingly seeking alternatives to excessive screen time. Through curated educational toys, learning tools, and resources, the brand positioned itself not only as a retailer, but as an advocate for early childhood development.

Participation in the Standard Chartered Women in Tech Programme, implemented by BongoHive, proved to be a critical inflection point. Through structured mentorship, business support, and exposure to Zambia’s wider entrepreneurship ecosystem, Dr. Besa was able to refine WilaWane’s business model, strengthen its digital strategy, and build the confidence required to scale sustainably.

That foundation has since translated into tangible growth milestones.

In December 2024, WilaWane opened its first physical location, marking its transition from a purely digital brand to a hybrid retail model. Just one year later, on 13 December 2025, the business reached another major milestone with the launch of its East Park Mall kiosk, strategically positioned to increase brand visibility, accessibility, and customer trust.

What makes WilaWane’s journey particularly insightful is its data-driven approach to growth. Despite the importance of physical presence for brand education and credibility, the business has found that over 90% of customer traffic and conversions continue to originate online. This insight has informed a balanced strategy, where physical locations support awareness and engagement, while digital platforms remain the primary revenue driver.

Looking ahead to 2026, WilaWane is focused on:

• Strengthening brand awareness and customer engagement

• Expanding its product range to serve broader age groups and diverse needs

• Deepening partnerships with schools, NGOs, and child-focused organisations

• Enhancing its digital platforms, including e-commerce and educational resources

The team is also exploring the development of a WilaWane Kids Online Directory, an initiative aimed at connecting parents and caregivers to trusted child-focused products and services. This idea reflects a growing ambition to build not just a brand, but a connected ecosystem around early childhood development in Zambia.

At BongoHive, stories like WilaWane’s reaffirm why inclusive innovation programmes matter. They demonstrate how targeted support for women entrepreneurs can unlock scalable businesses that deliver both commercial value and social impact.

As we prepare to welcome a new cohort of women innovators in the Standard Chartered Women in Tech Programme early this year, WilaWane Store stands as a powerful testament to what is possible when vision, data, mentorship, and ecosystem support come together.

From a digital storefront to a growing national presence, WilaWane is not only building a business, it is shaping how Zambia thinks about learning, play, and childhood development.