LUSAKA — BongoHive has graduated its first cohort of 45 junior software developers from a six-month intensive coding bootcamp funded partly by the World Bank’s youth employment initiative.
Programme manager Nchimunya Banda said curriculum modules covered JavaScript, Python, React Native and agile project management, with capstone projects addressing local challenges such as load-shedding scheduling apps and maize price trackers.
At least 18 graduates received job offers from Lusaka fintech firms including Zoona and Premier Credit, while seven secured remote contracts with European companies seeking affordable engineering talent in compatible time zones.
Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati attended the graduation, pledging K8 million to expand bootcamps to Copperbelt University and Evelyn Hone College. Critics urged stronger linkages with university computer science departments to avoid duplicating curricula.
Industry mentors emphasised that continuous learning is essential as artificial intelligence tools reshape entry-level programming roles. BongoHive announced a second cohort enrolling in August with scholarships reserved for women from rural districts.
