Dr. Kayanda Besa, one of this year’s standout cohort winners from BongoHive’s Standard Chartered Women in Tech Program, officially launched Wilawane Store’s e-commerce platform and its first physical location in Lusaka. The store, specializing in children’s educational toys and books, marks a significant milestone in Dr. Besa’s mission to revolutionize learning through play.

During the opening speech, Dr. Besa reflected on the challenges and triumphs of her entrepreneurial path, expressing heartfelt gratitude to customers, mentors, and the BongoHive community. “This journey has been far from easy, but it has been fueled by unwavering passion, mentorship, and incredible support,” she said, recognizing the key role that her participation in the Women in Tech program played in turning her dream into reality.

Dr. Besa credited the program’s mentorship and the $10,000 grant she received as pivotal in bringing her vision to life. “It’s a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets opportunity,” she added. She also acknowledged the importance of her network of fellow entrepreneurs, many of whom attended the event in support.

BongoHive staff were present at the opening, joining other entrepreneurs, mentors, and supporters to celebrate this remarkable achievement. Their participation underscored the close relationship between BongoHive and Dr. Besa, a relationship rooted in the support and guidance offered through the Standard Chartered Women in Tech program.

Wilawane Store has quickly become a go-to destination for parents and caregivers seeking high-quality educational resources. The store offers a carefully curated selection of toys and books designed to nurture young minds in a screen-free environment, creating an ideal space for imagination and learning.

BongoHive is particularly proud to see Dr. Besa’s continued success, as she was a key participant in the Women in Tech program, which provides female entrepreneurs with the mentorship, training, and financial support needed to scale their businesses. Now in its third cohort, the program has already helped 20 women-led startups reach new heights, fostering innovation and leadership in Zambia’s growing tech and education sectors.

Congratulations to Dr. Besa and the Wilawane team on this momentous achievement. As a community, we look forward to watching Wilawane’s continued growth and impact in the educational space.

Stay tuned for more updates as BongoHive continues to support female entrepreneurs driving innovation and change in Zambia!