Last week marked the launch of the highly anticipated ITC Group Coaching Sessions at BongoHive, a hub dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Zambia. This initiative, in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), is designed to equip entry-level online sellers with the essential digital skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the dynamic world of e-commerce.

Key Themes Discussed

The first session saw enthusiastic participation, with key questions sparking enlightening discussions amongst attendees. Participants shared their insights on various topics, including:

– Running Ads: Valuable insights surfaced around the effectiveness of Meta (Facebook/Instagram) for advertising. Participants noted that a minimal investment of $1 could significantly boost engagement, especially on Instagram, which often proves more fruitful than Facebook for driving sales.

– Consistency in Social Media: Attendees learned the importance of planning and scheduling content through a content calendar, with tips suggesting they post twice daily to maintain engagement without overwhelming their audience.

– The Role of Hashtags: The group explored the ongoing relevance of hashtags for content visibility, emphasizing a balanced mix of targeted and trending hashtags to broaden reach.

– Managing Multiple Platforms: Strategies emerged for ensuring seamless content sharing across platforms, including leveraging tools like ChatGPT.

– Website Development: Discussions highlighted options for creating effective websites, from hiring developers to utilizing WordPress and drag-and-drop builders.

– Social Media Strategy: Participants highlighted the importance of engaging existing customers while also attracting new ones, using a variety of content types to keep their audiences interested.

– Digitization Topics: The significance of online visibility, operational optimization using CRM systems, and effective data storage solutions were also central themes.

Success Stories Shared

Participants reported practical progress, including enhanced content planning through Canva, efficient customer engagement strategies using WhatsApp Business, and improved visibility via Google Business accounts. These experiences underscore the tangible benefits of the coaching sessions.

Next Steps

Looking ahead, participants can expect an endline survey to gauge their experiences next week.

A Growing Initiative

BongoHive’s partnership with the ITC is expected to empower over 100 small merchants and entrepreneurs from September 2nd to October 15th, offering a blend of in-person and virtual training. As a cornerstone for startup support in Zambia, BongoHive is committed to enabling local businesses to navigate the evolving digital landscape with confidence.

Stay tuned for further updates as we continue this journey toward enhancing the skills and opportunities for Zambian entrepreneurs!