Is Lusaka a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Lusaka has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Lusaka gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Lusaka

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Lusaka offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Lusaka's early-stage funding scene is developing, with entities like the Zambia Business Angels Network (ZBAN) actively supporting startups with capital and mentorship. Kukula Capital is another key player, offering venture finance and private equity with a focus on impact investments. Government support is available through programs like the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC), providing grants and loans, and the ZICTA ICT Innovation Program. Despite this, a significant challenge remains the seed-stage funding gap, making it difficult for many early ventures to scale. Access to finance, high interest rates, and limited investor networks are frequently cited hurdles. While overall funding in Zambia saw a substantial increase in 2022, reaching US$30 million, it dropped significantly in 2024 compared to the previous year, highlighting potential volatility in investment trends.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Lusaka has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Lusaka has a developing startup and innovation ecosystem with increasing entrepreneurial activity. The city is home to several coworking spaces like BongoHive, Impact Hub Lusaka, OfficePhase, and Regus, providing flexible workspaces and community for entrepreneurs. Tech events, workshops, and networking opportunities occur regularly, including events like Lusaka Startup Week and Google I/O Extended Lusaka. While the ecosystem supports startups generally, there is evidence of personalized support for early-stage founders through incubators and accelerators like BongoHive and Innovation Village, which offer mentorship, training, and resources. Impact Hub Lusaka's Entrepreneurs in Residence program also provides hands-on guidance to early-stage entrepreneurs. Some programs and mentors specifically focus on supporting early-stage businesses. The ecosystem appears to offer a mix of support, catering to both early-stage and potentially more mature startups through various programs and networks.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Lusaka can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Lusaka, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Lusaka is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Lusaka has a growing pool of young, skilled, and educated individuals interested in entrepreneurship. The city is home to numerous educational institutions, including the University of Zambia and the University of Lusaka, contributing to the talent pool. While there's a concentration of IT professionals and developers, a skills gap exists in areas like software development and digital marketing. Initiatives and training programs aim to address these gaps. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through participation in a growing startup community, events like Lusaka Startup Week, and incubators such as BongoHive.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Lusaka can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Lusaka boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Lusaka's startup ecosystem is growing, supported by various resources. Infrastructure includes co-working spaces, incubators like BongoHive and Innovation Village, and accelerators such as GrowthAfrica, offering mentorship, training, and office space. These hubs help startups develop business models, access funding networks, and gain expertise. Government initiatives are also playing a role. The National Technology Business Centre (NTBC) provides incubation services, training, and access to finance. Efforts are underway to implement a Start-Up Bill which may include a venture capital fund. These resources aim to foster innovation, attract investment, and drive economic growth. Challenges remain, including access to finance and digital infrastructure, but the ecosystem shows potential.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Lusaka. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Lusaka Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Lusaka provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Lusaka face several challenges. Competition can be significant, with established local businesses and increasing market saturation in certain sectors. Regulatory hurdles pose difficulties, including complex registration processes and compliance requirements that can cause delays and add costs. While the cost of living in Lusaka is relatively low compared to some global cities, it can still be high relative to local income levels, impacting both entrepreneurs' personal expenses and the cost of hiring staff. Additionally, anti-competitive practices by dominant firms can increase the cost of doing business for smaller entities.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Lusaka or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Lusaka offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash