Six Zambian Startups Selected for GreenCode Programme After Lusaka Hackathon

Six Zambian startup teams have been selected for further development support following the GreenCode Hackathon Zambia 2026, where innovators spent 48 hours building technology-based solutions to environmental and economic challenges.

TechBack emerged as the overall winner, followed by Phytos in second place and CoopIQ in third. The three teams will share a €6,000 prize fund to help develop their solutions.

The other teams selected for the programme are Tail Alert, MundaSmart and Smart Water Zambia. All six will receive mentorship and business development support from the organisers as they work to strengthen their products, refine business models and prepare for market opportunities.

The hackathon took place in Lusaka from 30 October to 1 November and attracted approximately 100 selected participants. Organisers received 700 applications before bringing together developers, entrepreneurs, designers and sustainability specialists.

Participants initially presented 47 ideas before forming 19 multidisciplinary teams. They then worked with local and international mentors to test business concepts, develop prototypes and prepare pitches for a judging panel.

Startups tackle Zambia's environmental challenges

The competition focused on practical applications of technology in areas including climate-smart agriculture, clean energy, waste management, water security and greener cities.

The selected teams are developing solutions that address different challenges, including electronic waste, access to agricultural financing, water management and climate resilience.

The programme is designed to move participating innovators beyond the idea stage by providing technical guidance and support to develop products with potential commercial applications.

GreenCode is organised by BongoHive and Estonia-based Garage48, with support from the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), under the Twin Digital Foundry initiative.

The wider programme aims to strengthen early-stage entrepreneurship in Zambia by connecting local innovators with technical expertise, business mentorship and opportunities to develop investment-ready ventures.

Next stage for the six teams

The six selected teams will continue working with BongoHive and Garage48 through the follow-on development programme. Their progress will be presented at a demonstration day in Lusaka scheduled for March 2027. 

The six teams are due to present their progress at a demonstration day in Lusaka in March 2027, where organisers will showcase the solutions developed through the programme.