In the vibrant heart of Lusaka, a groundbreaking venture is emerging in the educational landscape—Wila Wane Toys Books and More Store. Founded by the passionate Dr. Kayanda Besa, Wila Wane transcends the boundaries of a conventional retail space; it is a transformative hub where play meets literature, meticulously crafted to nurture young minds in a screen-free setting.

The roots of Dr. Besa’s journey can be traced back to her deep-seated belief in the power of learning through play. Growing up in Zambia, she witnessed firsthand the challenges children face in accessing enriching educational experiences. This ignited her desire to create a space where imagination could flourish. This dream began to take shape as she transitioned from an ambitious startup founder to a recognized leader in the tech and education sectors.

Recently, Dr. Besa garnered attention from BongoHive, having emerged as a key recipient of a significant $10,000 grant from the Standard Chartered Women in Tech Incubator Program. This program, a collaboration between BongoHive and Standard Chartered Bank, is designed to empower female entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, training, and financial support. Now in its third cohort, the program has already benefited 20 female founders, helping them transition from nascent ideas to competitive market-ready products.

Emboldened by this opportunity, Dr. Besa embarked on the development of an e-commerce platform for her unique business. “It has had a huge positive impact,” she reflected, emphasizing how the program clarified her vision. “I learned how to effectively package my products, track my data, and now understand customer retention. The practical insights from experts—financial officers and legal advisors—were invaluable, especially for a startup founder like me.”

Among the program’s myriad benefits, mentorship proved to be a cornerstone of Dr. Besa’s growth. “Having a mentor and a coach kept me on track,” she recalled, her enthusiasm palpable.

Her transformation shifted her perception significantly. “I do not have a business now; I run a corporation,” she asserted confidently. This evolution in mindset—largely fostered by the incubator’s resources—has equipped her to engage with tech professionals on an equal footing. “I’m officially a woman in tech now,” she laughed, noting her newfound confidence in collaborating with her website developers.

In the rapidly changing technological landscape, Dr. Besa stands as a role model for burgeoning women in tech and entrepreneurship. Her story exemplifies resilience and the transformative power of mentorship, further emphasizing BongoHive’s mission to nurture innovators like her.

As BongoHive works in tandem with Standard Chartered Bank to promote female entrepreneurs, their commitment has led to the successful birth of numerous female-led startups, showcasing the undeniable impact of the Women in Tech Incubation Program. Participants benefit not just during the incubation period but continue to find new opportunities afterward, as their ideas evolve into promising ventures.

With a clear vision for the future, Wila Wane is cultivated to inspire countless Zambian children, fostering creators and thinkers who will shape the world of tomorrow. Just as technology and education intertwine more than ever, women in tech emerge not merely as participants but as pioneers, carving out new paths in this dynamic landscape.