In todays latest HELSB News: Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board – Zambia
day 4 participation at the Sandbox Entrepreneurship Programme in Lusaka continued to build momentum, bringing together participants, the HELSB team, the Brilliant Catalyst Team, and special guest speakers for a rich and practical session on entrepreneurship and business development.
In special attendance were Mr. Gabriel Musentekwa, Director of Business Development at the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), and Ms. Ruth Mooto, founder of My Perfect Stitch, a business operating in the fashion and design space.
Mr. Musentekwa delivered an engaging presentation on the role of the ZDA, emphasizing key principles of entrepreneurship and business growth. He stated:
“The Zambia Development Agency is here to promote and support businesses across the country. For entrepreneurs to succeed, they must be informed, confident, and capable, with well-structured businesses that can attract growth opportunities. Financing options and market access remain critical, but it is also about fostering youth-driven entrepreneurship and innovation—especially in vital sectors such as agriculture.
Operating within the formal sector and being compliant are essential for long-term growth. Start-ups are highly sensitive to market forces, requiring endurance, creativity, perseverance, and calculated risk-taking to thrive. As we look ahead, emerging trends such as fintech and social enterprises addressing societal challenges, together with Zambia’s mix of traditional and modern industries—from agriculture, mining, and energy to retail and trade—demand innovation if we are to unlock the country’s full potential.”
Ms. Mooto complemented this with a founder’s perspective, focusing on leadership within entrepreneurship. She highlighted the responsibility every founder carries over their business, stating:
“As founders, we must recognize that strategy is the backbone of success. Without clear direction, even the best ideas can lose momentum. Strong systems are equally important, as they allow us to build businesses that are organized, sustainable, and scalable. At the same time, founders must be honest about knowledge gaps, and actively seek ways to bridge them—whether through learning, mentorship, or partnerships. Our role is not just to create, but to steer our businesses with foresight and discipline.”
The Brilliant Catalyst Team guided the Day 4 workshop, centering activities on mentorship and pitch reviews. Participants received constructive feedback, refined their presentations, and deepened their understanding of how to align innovative ideas with practical business strategies.
With only one day remaining in the programme, the stage is now set for participants to deliver strong, impactful pitches that showcase their creativity, resilience, and readiness to contribute solutions with real-world impact.