How a Law degree, a lumberjack analogy, and an open mind led to an unforgettable transition into Zambia’s leading tech hub.
Whenever we imagine our career paths, we usually picture working in the exact field we studied. Well, for me, that hasn’t always been the case!
I never imagined myself working in AI, tech, or innovation. In fact, I only learned about ChatGPT toward the end of 2024, so that should give you a pretty clear picture of my history with the field!
Yet, life has a funny way of working out. I soon found myself sitting in an interview alongside 20 other candidates, selected from a massive pool of 400 applicants. I kept thinking: Can I, with my Law degree, actually land a job at BongoHive, Zambia’s leading tech and innovation hub? Thoughts like “Where do I even begin?” or “What AI crash course should I watch right now?” raced through my head.
But if there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I love trying new things. I’m always open to growth and change, even when it feels a little scary.
During my interview, the panel asked me for an impromptu pitch explaining what makes me unique. Unprepared for that exact question, I had to think on my feet. I focused on my main strength: integrating work across different fields to drive greater collaboration and bigger results.
What I told the panel:
“Think of it like a lumberjack. You may be highly skilled with an axe, but if the demand for wood rises, you need to upgrade your tools to meet that demand. AI and tech are like the machinery: they help you integrate your skills and knowledge to work faster and achieve better results.”
That very intro got me the job! Since stepping into my role as a Junior Entrepreneurship Associate, I have been on an incredible learning journey that stretches me every day.
5 Key Takeaways From My Time at BongoHive
1. Entrepreneurship is More Than Just Starting a Business
Passion isn’t enough; you have to master your niche and build real entrepreneurial skills. This really clicked for me while working with 40 founders under the IGNITE Digital Economy Incubator and Accelerator Programme (an EU-funded project where I serve as one of the implementers). We guided our founders through customer discovery so they could stop operating on assumptions and truly understand what their target market needs.
2. Embracing AI & Tech is Non-Negotiable
I’ve developed a deep appreciation for embedding technology into modern business models. Adopting tech keeps innovations relevant and opens the door to crucial funding opportunities, investments, and grants.
3. Growth Happens When You Say “Yes”
Sometimes you create your own opportunities simply by being open to learning.
- Going Green: I took internal courses on environmental sustainability, which led to an opportunity to speak on a high-level panel alongside the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, UNICEF, and YOUNGO at the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) as Zambia prepares for COP31!
- Cross-Unit Collaboration: I volunteered across different departments, moderating an Innovation Inside Out session with Mrs Yaza Kara (Stanbic’s Head of Digital Transformation), co-facilitating a university tour of UNICAF students, and supporting a project called HIVOS, where we are helping external hubs build post-implementation sustainability.
4. Continuously Build Capacity in Your Field
Beyond soft skills, taking online courses and earning certifications makes a massive difference. I focused my upskilling on AI, technology, and Unique Value Propositions (UVPs). This allowed me to confidently host pitch practice sessions for our top 40 founders, guiding them on branding and pitching to investors.
5. A Supportive Work Environment Changes Everything
I’ve always hoped for a healthy workplace, and BongoHive delivered! I’m blessed with supportive colleagues, a vibrant workspace, and endless opportunities to bond and build my career.
