Top 20 Startup Competitions in Zambia You Should Enter 2024

 The Top 20 Startup Competitions in Zambia You Should Enter in 2024

Zambia's startup ecosystem is thriving, providing ample opportunities for entrepreneurs to launch and scale their businesses. Startup competitions are a fantastic way to gain exposure, secure funding, and receive invaluable feedback from industry experts. If you're an entrepreneur in Zambia looking to take your startup to the next level, here are the top 20 startup competitions you should consider entering in 2024.

1. Pitch@Palace Zambia

What it is: Part of the global Pitch@Palace initiative, this competition provides a platform for entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges and an audience of influential leaders.

Why enter: Gain access to a network of mentors, potential investors, and industry experts.

2. Nyamuka Zambia Business Plan Competition

What it is: A national competition that encourages Zambian entrepreneurs to develop and implement innovative business ideas.

Why enter: Winners receive seed capital, business training, and mentorship.

3. Stanbic Bank Anakazi Banking Challenge

What it is: A competition focused on empowering female entrepreneurs in Zambia.

Why enter: Provides financial support, mentorship, and networking opportunities for women-led businesses.

Website: Stanbic Bank Zambia

4. Seedstars Lusaka

What it is: Part of the global Seedstars World competition, this event targets early-stage startups in Zambia.

Why enter: The winner gets a chance to compete at the Seedstars Summit and access a global network of investors and mentors.

5. Boost Fellowship Business Challenge

What it is: An annual business plan competition for university students and recent graduates in Zambia.

Why enter: Gain exposure, mentorship, and potential funding for your business idea.

6. Zambia Entrepreneurship Summit

What it is: A summit that includes a startup competition, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.

Why enter: Network with key stakeholders, gain insights, and pitch your business for funding opportunities.

7. Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme

What it is: A Pan-African program that supports African entrepreneurs, including those in Zambia, with seed capital, mentorship, and training.

Why enter: Significant funding, mentorship, and access to a vast network of entrepreneurs and investors.

Website: Tony Elumelu Foundation

8. GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize

What it is: A competition for young entrepreneurs with innovative agribusinesses in Zambia.

Why enter: Significant cash prizes, mentorship, and exposure to potential investors.

Website: GoGettaz Prize

9. Enactus Zambia National Competition

What it is: A competition for university students to present their entrepreneurial projects that address social, environmental, and economic issues.

Why enter: Recognition, mentorship, and opportunities to compete internationally.

10. ICT Innovation Programme

What it is: A competition that supports innovative ICT projects and startups in Zambia.

Why enter: Access to funding, mentorship, and exposure to industry leaders.

11. Global Entrepreneurship Week Zambia

What it is: A week-long celebration of entrepreneurship that includes various startup competitions and events.

Why enter: Networking, exposure, and opportunities to pitch your business to a wide audience.

12. Zambia HealthTech Innovation Competition

What it is: A competition for startups focused on healthcare technology and solutions.

Why enter: Support, mentorship, and opportunities to showcase health tech innovations.

13. Women in Tech Zambia

What it is: A startup competition focused on empowering women entrepreneurs in the tech industry.

Why enter: Specialized support, mentorship, and networking opportunities for women-led tech startups.

14. BongoHive Launch Accelerator

What it is: An accelerator program that includes a startup competition component, focusing on scaling tech ventures.

Why enter: Intensive support, mentorship, and access to a network of investors.

Website: BongoHive

15. AgriBusiness Competition Zambia

What it is: A competition for startups with innovative solutions in the agricultural sector.

Why enter: Exposure to industry experts, potential investors, and opportunities for funding.

16. Zambia GreenTech Challenge

What it is: A competition for startups focused on green technology and sustainable solutions.

Why enter: Funding, mentorship, and opportunities to network with industry leaders.

17. Techstars Startup Weekend Lusaka

What it is: A 54-hour event where entrepreneurs can develop their startup ideas and pitch them to a panel of judges.

Why enter: Intensive mentorship, networking, and feedback to help refine and validate your startup idea.

18. Energy Innovation Challenge Zambia

What it is: A competition for startups with innovative solutions in the energy sector.

Why enter: Exposure to industry experts, potential investors, and funding opportunities.

19. Impact Hub Lusaka Pitch Night

What it is: A regular event where startups can pitch their ideas to a panel of judges and an audience.

Why enter: Feedback, networking, and potential investment opportunities.

20. StartUp World Cup Zambia Regional Competition

What it is: A regional startup competition that is part of the global StartUp World Cup initiative.

Why enter: The winner gets a chance to compete at the global finals and access to a network of investors and mentors.

Conclusion

Participating in these startup competitions can be a transformative experience for your business. They offer exposure, funding, and invaluable feedback that can help you refine your ideas and connect with key players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Zambia's startup landscape is rich with potential, and these competitions provide the perfect platforms to showcase your innovation and drive your business forward in 2024. So, get ready, refine your pitch, and seize these opportunities to make your mark!