By Thokozile Phiri Mwamba
Some places leave you with more than memories. They leave you with new perspectives, meaningful connections and a little more confidence in what you can achieve. As my internship with BongoHive’s marketing team comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on the space that became part of my daily routine and the lessons I will carry with me long after I leave.
As Communications Manager at the Time + Tide Foundation, my days are usually filled with social media content, newsletters, programme documentation, stakeholder updates and fundraising support. Adding an internship and digital marketing studies to that mix meant I needed a space where I could focus, learn and make the most of every working hour. BongoHive Coworking, located at Zepre Business Park along Alick Nkhata Road in Lusaka, became that space.
Walking into the Hive, I was always welcomed by a comfortable, air-conditioned environment and the gentle hum of people getting things done. The space has a rhythm of its own. At one desk, someone might be deep in code; nearby, an entrepreneur could be developing a business idea, while another professional joins a virtual meeting. There is movement and conversation, but never so much that it becomes difficult to concentrate. It is the kind of atmosphere that quietly reminds you to settle in, open your laptop and get started.
For me, that environment made a difference. With work spanning different responsibilities and deadlines, a reliable internet connection was essential for uploading content, attending virtual meetings and sharing documents with colleagues in Madagascar. The workstations offered room to focus, phone booths provided privacy for calls, and meeting rooms created a professional setting for conversations that needed more than a laptop screen. Even the smaller comforts mattered: a cup of tea between tasks, a quick break in the lounge or a few minutes on the outdoor terrace to clear my head before returning to work.
But what made my experience memorable was not simply the facilities. It was the people and the possibilities that came with sharing a space with individuals from different industries. A brief conversation over tea could introduce a new idea or offer a different way of looking at a challenge. Being surrounded by entrepreneurs, developers, creatives and remote professionals was a reminder that meaningful work often grows through connection, curiosity and the willingness to learn from others.
My experience also extended beyond the coworking space. Being part of BongoHive’s wider innovation ecosystem gave me opportunities to engage with a community committed to learning and growth. Participating in the Women in Tech Zambia programme, Cohort 6, was a particularly inspiring experience, reminding me of the value of creating spaces where people can exchange ideas, build confidence and pursue new opportunities.
As I return to my work at Time + Tide Foundation, I leave with an appreciation for how much our environment can influence the way we work. BongoHive gave me room to focus on my responsibilities, explore new skills and experience the energy of Zambia’s innovation community. It reminded me that a workspace can be more than somewhere you sit for eight hours. It can be a place that encourages you to think differently, connect with others and grow in ways you might not have expected.
My internship may be ending, but the experience has been a valuable chapter in my professional journey. And for anyone looking for a workspace that combines focus, flexibility and community, BongoHive Coworking is worth discovering.
Located at Zepre Business Park, Alick Nkhata Road, Mass Media, Lusaka, BongoHive Coworking offers a professional space for freelancers, remote workers, entrepreneurs and teams. To arrange a visit or explore membership options, email [email protected] or call 0953 017 526.
Sometimes, the right space does more than help you get your work done. It helps you discover what else you are capable of.
