Innovation is the driving force behind progress, shaping industries, economies, and daily life. Across the globe, groundbreaking scientific discoveries, technological advancements, and revolutionary business models are redefining how we live and work. Zambia is no exception, our nation is witnessing a wave of innovation across various sectors, from agriculture and finance to healthcare and renewable energy.

Whether it is homegrown startups leveraging digital solutions to improve financial inclusion, advancements in sustainable farming techniques, or the rise of smart infrastructure, innovation is playing a crucial role in Zambia’s economic transformation. Entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers are working together to develop creative solutions that address local challenges and unlock new opportunities.

In this exploration, we will go deeper iinto the key innovations shaping Zambia today – highlighting the trailblazers, groundbreaking ideas, and transformative projects that are driving progress. Join us as we uncover how innovation is being put into action to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Examples to Spark Your Imagination

Fintech

Zambia’s mobile money ecosystem has grown exponentially, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, mobile money transactions reached a total value of K452.0 billion, a 52.8% increase from K295.8 billion in 2022. This surge has enabled many Zambians, especially in rural areas, to access essential financial services such as mobile payments, money transfers, and savings through their mobile phones (NPS Annual Report, 2023).

Airtel Money and MTN Mobile Money have been instrumental in driving this financial inclusion. MTN Group reported a 5% increase in active Mobile Money (MoMo) users, reaching 72.5 million across its markets by the end of 2023.MTN Group Annual Report 2023. In Zambia, MTN’s active mobile money subscribers grew from 3.8 million in 2022 to 4.1 million in 2023, reflecting the growing reliance on digital financial services. (mtn-investor.com).

Similarly, Airtel Money has introduced innovative services to enhance financial accessibility. In collaboration with the National Savings and Credit Bank (Natsave), Airtel launched the “Fikiliza” service in 2024, enabling users to access instant overdraft facilities directly through their mobile wallets. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals and small business owners lacking access to traditional banking services, providing them with a convenient means to obtain short-term credit (Techpoint.africa, 2024).

With continuous improvements in digital infrastructure and regulatory support, Zambia’s mobile money sector is poised for further expansion, bridging the financial gap for underserved populations and boosting economic participation.

Renewable Energy

The Bangweulu Solar Power Station plays a crucial role in strengthening Zambia’s energy security by diversifying the country’s power supply and reducing reliance on hydropower, which is vulnerable to droughts. By injecting 54 MW of solar energy into the national grid, it contributes to a more stable electricity supply while also lowering carbon emissions by an estimated 80,000 tons annually, supporting Zambia’s climate goals (Lusaka Times, 2019). 

As part of the Scaling Solar initiative, the project was developed through a competitive tariff model, helping to reduce electricity costs and make power more affordable for consumers. Additionally, by expanding the country’s renewable energy capacity, Bangweulu Solar facilitates greater access to electricity, particularly in underserved areas, improving overall energy distribution. Beyond its direct benefits, the project has positioned Zambia as an attractive destination for renewable energy investments, paving the way for additional solar developments such as the Ngonye Solar Power Plant (34 MW) and the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Solar Plant (34 MW). Through these contributions, Bangweulu Solar is driving Zambia’s transition toward a cleaner, more resilient, and sustainable energy future (Scaling Solar).

Social Entrepreneurship

Innovative solutions are addressing critical social challenges such as poverty, education, and healthcare access. Duniya Healthcare connects retail pharmacies in both urban and rural areas with trusted local wholesalers and manufacturers, ensuring better availability of essential medications across the country (Duniya Health).

AgriTech

Agricultural innovation is transforming Zambia’s food security landscape. Startups and tech-driven solutions are helping farmers with smart irrigation systems, precision farming, and mobile-based market access platforms.

One notable initiative is AgriPredict, a Zambian agritech company that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite data to help farmers predict weather patterns, identify crop diseases, and assess pest risks. Through its mobile app, AgriPredict provides real-time data that enables farmers to make informed decisions and increase productivity while reducing losses. This innovation is particularly useful in combating climate change challenges and improving food security in Zambia (AgriPredict).

Getting Started with Innovation

The best part? Innovation is within everyone’s reach. It’s not reserved for a select few, it is a mindset, a way of approaching challenges with curiosity and creativity. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a team leader, or simply someone looking to bring fresh ideas into your work or life, you can develop the skills and habits that lead to meaningful innovation.

Here are some practical steps to help you unlock your creative potential:

1. Adopt a growth mindset
   Believe that creativity and innovation can be developed, just like any other skill. Challenge yourself to see failures as learning opportunities rather than setbacks. The more you experiment, the more you grow.
2. Stay curious and ask questions
   Innovation starts with curiosity. Question the status quo and explore “what if” scenarios. Look at everyday challenges through a new lens and ask, “How can this be improved?”
3. Embrace diverse perspectives
   Surround yourself with people who think differently than you. Engage in discussions with individuals from different industries, backgrounds, and expertise. The best ideas often emerge from unexpected collaborations.
4. Observe and identify gaps
   Pay close attention to frustrations, inefficiencies, and unmet needs—whether in your own life, workplace, or society. Innovation often begins by addressing these gaps with a new or improved solution.
5. Experiment and prototype quickly
   Don’t wait for the “perfect” idea, start testing your concepts early. Create rough prototypes, gather feedback, and refine your approach based on real-world insights. The faster you iterate, the sooner you discover what works.
6. Develop resilience and adaptability
   Every innovator faces obstacles and setbacks. The key is to adapt, pivot, and persist. Innovation isn’t about avoiding failure, it is about learning from it and continuously improving.
7. Leverage technology and trends
   Stay informed about emerging trends, tools, and technologies. Even if you’re not a tech expert, understanding how new developments can impact your field gives you a competitive edge.
8. Keep learning and expanding your knowledge
   Read widely, attend workshops, take online courses, and stay curious about different disciplines. The more knowledge and experiences you collect, the more creative connections you can make.
9. Take action and stay consistent
   Innovation is not just about having ideas, it is about executing them. Set small, actionable goals to move your ideas forward and commit to making progress every day.

Conclusion

Innovation is an ongoing journey, one that thrives on curiosity and action. By embracing an innovative mindset and taking meaningful steps, you can contribute to a more forward-thinking and progressive future. Your unique ideas have the power to shape the world. So, unleash your inner innovator and start making a difference today. By following these steps, you can build the mindset, habits, and confidence needed to innovate in any aspect of your life. The journey to innovation starts with a single step, so why not take it today?

Our Work

Unilus Open Innovation Challenge (OIC) 

The Unilus OIC was a groundbreaking initiative designed to cultivate creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving among students. Spearheaded by BongoHive Consult in partnership with the University of Lusaka, this challenge brought together 30 students from various faculties – including Law, Business, Economics & Management, Medicine & Health Sciences, Technology and Social Sciences to tackle real-world challenges in Renewable Energy, Education and Agriculture through a structured innovation process.  

From January 27th to February 6th, 2025, participants engaged in an intensive design sprint where they explored problem areas, developed solutions, and refined their ideas through mentorship and expert guidance. This transformative journey culminated in a high-energy pitch finale on February 14th, 2025, where the top five teams showcased their ideas before a panel of judges, industry leaders, and potential investors.  

The Unilus OIC was not just a competition, it was an opportunity for students to gain invaluable experience in design thinking, rapid prototyping, and entrepreneurial storytelling. By fostering an environment of open innovation, this initiative empowered young changemakers to turn ideas into actionable solutions with the potential to make a lasting impact.  

With a strong commitment to nurturing Zambia’s innovation ecosystem, BongoHive Consult and Unilus will continue to champion initiatives that inspire creative problem-solving and entrepreneurship. The challenge was a testament to the power of collaboration, proving that with the right support and platform, today’s innovators can become tomorrow’s game-changers.

Pitch Finale Top 5 Teams:

• AgroTrade Zambia

AgroTrade Zambia is an upcoming e-commerce platform that connects small-scale farmers directly with buyers, eliminating middlemen to increase farmer incomes and streamline agricultural trade.

• Re-Charge

An AI-powered energy optimization system that leverages real-time and historical meteorological data to enhance energy efficiency in Zambia.

• Knowledge Architects

TeachCOM is a free digital platform under the knowledge architects that is looking to empower Zambian educators with locally relevant training, resources, and a supportive community.

• WeSolve Agro

A subscription-based SMS service providing small-scale farmers with personalized, timely updates on best farming practices to help improve yields and make data-driven decisions

• PowerShift Zambia

PowerShift Zambia is a student-led initiative dedicated to unlocking energy access for rural entrepreneurs by bridging the gap between solar funding and underserved communities.