Standard Chartered pledges more investment in Zambia’s digital, women entrepreneurship drive

Standard Chartered Bank Zambia says it will continue prioritising investment in the country’s digital and entrepreneurial sectors, noting that these areas are key to improving livelihoods and driving inclusive growth.

The bank has been running its Women in Tech Zambia (WiT) programme, empowering women-led businesses with technology, innovation, inclusive entrepreneurship and seed capital.

Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Sonny Zulu, said he believed that empowering women was not only the right thing to do but also the smartest investment.

Zulu said this during the bank’s celebration, in partnership with BongoHive, of five years of the WiT programme, on Friday evening.

The event gathered past winners, alumni, mentors, industry partners and leaders from Zambia’s innovation ecosystem to reflect on the programme’s impact and chart its future direction.

“I am excited that we will continue funding the programme for an additional three years, underscoring our dedication to gender equality in entrepreneurship and technology adoption,” he said.

Zulu noted that over the past five years, WiT had not only supported startups but has also created jobs, expanded industries and unlocked the potential of women innovators across the country.

Delivering a keynote speech, Lupiya Chief Executive Officer, Evelyn Kaingu, emphasised the crucial role of technology in accelerating business growth and enabling women-owned enterprises to thrive.

“Technology levels the playing field. It gives every entrepreneur, especially women, the power to scale, innovate and compete. WiT is not just closing gaps, it is opening opportunities for the next generation of women founders,” Kaingu said.

BongoHive Chief Executive Officer, Lukonga Lindunda, applauded the longstanding partnership with the bank and the programme’s measurable impact in strengthening Zambia’s startup ecosystem.

“The programme has proven what is possible when women receive the funding, mentorship and technical support they deserve,” Lindunda said.

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