#asikananetwork

why this post matters: the innovation series identified three conditions for the ecosystem to reach the next level — power and connectivity, the skills pipeline, and patient capital. but there is a fourth: the ecosystem must be built for everyone, not half the population. an ecosystem that does not effectively engage women — in technology training, startup founding, employment, and funding — is operating at half capacity by design.

asikana network: a women in technology social enterprise founded by chisenga muyoya, formed as a community under bongohive in 2012, registered as a legal entity in 2013. since its founding: reached over 6,000 young people through 50+ free networking meetups, 100+ free training sessions in web development, basic computer literacy, games development, and video production. launched WRAPP — the women's rights app — featured on facebook's free basics platform. revenue from its consultancy unit funds training activities while giving trained members commercial opportunities.

bongohive's women in tech zambia accelerator: launched in 2025, powered by bongohive innovations and supported by standard chartered bank. a three-month accelerator: structured training, one-on-one professional mentorship, and a $10,000 grant without equity. one participant, niza aritha zulu of bio green technology: "it gave me practical skills, confidence, and a supportive network that have accelerated my growth in tech and innovation."

WECREATE: the women's entrepreneurial center of resources, education, access, and training for economic empowerment — offering business training and financing opportunities specifically for female entrepreneurs.

the gender gap: women are underrepresented in software engineering, data science, startup founding, investment seeking, and ecosystem leadership. in zambia's specific context — 90% youth informal employment, gender gaps in secondary school completion and land rights — the technology gender gap compounds existing inequalities.

the opportunity: women who have technology skills, startup capital access, and network connections create economic value, employ other people, and model a pathway for the next generation of women founders.

zambia's innovation ecosystem is built by everyone who is in it. the work of building it for everyone determines how large it becomes.