Revolutionizing Zambia’s Startup Ecosystem: Hrvst Founder Curtis Madden Reflects on the Power of Collaboration

In the world of start-ups, ideas are a dime a dozen. But turning those ideas into thriving businesses—especially in Zambia—is no easy feat. Curtis Madden, co-founder and CEO of the innovative digital platform Hrvst, is among the fortunate few who has managed to not only bring his vision to life but also expand it into new frontiers, thanks to an unlikely partnership born from the Meet the Toshika’s program.

Launched in 2023, Meet the Toshika’s is a pioneering initiative by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and supported by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), aimed at fostering connections between Africa’s start-ups and potential investors. The program which was being facilitated by BongoHive Consult is designed to tackle the funding gaps that plague so many promising businesses across the continent. And for Madden, it’s been a game-changer.

From Program to Profits: A Fresh Start for Hrvst

The Meet the Toshika’s program exceeded Madden’s expectations in ways he never anticipated. “From the programme, we’ve spun off business. It has been a catalyst for new revenue streams for Hrvst,” Madden shares. Through the program, Hrvst connected with Afri-Online Delivery, a logistics company, and together they launched a new venture: FreshBox. Available through the Afridelivery app it allows consumers to order fresh farm products directly from local suppliers. It’s a solution that benefits both farmers and consumers, creating a more sustainable and direct food supply chain.

“FreshBox is currently reaching at least 4,000 households across Lusaka through the  Afridelivery app,” Madden says proudly. “You can download the Afridelivery app from both the Play Store and the App Store and look for the FreshBox logo. It’s an easy way for people to get fresh, locally sourced vegetables, fruits, and meats delivered to their doorstep.”

But the success of this new venture didn’t come from just the app. It came from the connections made through the Meet the Toshika’s program, where local startups were given not only access to investors but also the opportunity to collaborate with each other. For Madden, this collaboration was invaluable. “We were all at different stages of our businesses,” he recalls. “But we learned so much from each other. Even if we didn’t get funding, the knowledge exchange was priceless.”

Zambia’s Startup Landscape: A Call for Change

While Madden is celebrating his achievements, he doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the challenges that face many Zambian entrepreneurs. “There are so many people with great ideas in Zambia, but the support system is lacking. We don’t have as many programs like Meet the Toshika’s here, and that’s a big problem. Too many start-ups with amazing innovations fall flat because they can’t secure funding or access the right resources,” he explains.

Comparing Zambia’s ecosystem to other African countries, such as Kenya and Nigeria, Madden believes there is much work to be done. “The environment is very different here,” he says, gesturing toward the broader challenges. “We need more programs that can connect start-ups with investors and provide access to financial resources. We also need to look at how we can make the legislation and tax laws more favorable for entrepreneurs. Start-ups in Zambia struggle to get the financial backing they need, and that’s where things need to change.”

Hrvst: A New Kind of Marketplace

Hrvst, the company Madden co-founded together with Christopher Chileshe (CTO) and Carol Matibiri (CCO), are working to disrupt the way Zambia’s agricultural market operates. At its core, Hrvst connects local farmers directly with buyers through a digital platform, allowing consumers to access fresher, locally sourced produce. By cutting out middlemen, Hrvst not only supports local agriculture but also promotes sustainability by reducing the distance food travels before reaching consumers.

“Our mission is to elevate small and medium-scale farmers and help them unlock their full potential,” Madden explains. Through Hrvst’s managed services, clients are paired with the best-suited vendors to meet their specific needs, whether they’re looking for fresh fruits, vegetables, or meats. The platform also helps farmers find the right market, ensuring their products are sold at the right time and place.

But Madden isn’t just focused on technology. His passion for supporting local farmers and fostering a sustainable food system is palpable. “The idea is to create a digital marketplace that’s as close to the farmer as possible. We want to make it easier for people to access fresh food, and in doing so, support local agriculture,” he says.

Meet the Toshika’s: Bridging the Gap for African Startups

The Meet the Toshika’s program’s impact extends far beyond Hrvst. Its goal is to provide African start-ups with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to secure investment and grow. Through ecosystem mapping, investment readiness training, and direct access to Japanese venture capitalists, the program is shaping the future of African entrepreneurship.

Over the course of three months, 10 carefully selected start-ups, including Hrvst, underwent tailored training to increase their investment readiness. “The training was incredibly thorough and tailored to our needs,” Madden reflects. “It wasn’t just about getting funding—it was about how to present our business in the best possible way to potential investors.”

The Future of Zambian Startups: Hope on the Horizon

Madden’s story is one of hope and success in an environment where many startups struggle to find their footing. But he believes that, with the right support, Zambia’s entrepreneurial landscape could flourish. “There’s so much potential here, but we need more programs, more funding, and more collaboration. If we can get that right, Zambia could be a powerhouse for innovation in Africa,” he says with a sense of optimism.

In the ever-evolving world of African entrepreneurship, Hrvst’s journey proves that with the right connections and support, even the most ambitious dreams can become a reality. Now, the question remains: will Zambia seize the opportunity to nurture its homegrown talent and create a thriving ecosystem for start-ups to grow?

The road ahead is long, but with entrepreneurs like Curtis Madden leading the charge, there’s hope for a future where innovation thrives in every corner of Zambia.