Capability that supports execution, not classroom theory
Practical capabilities that support business creation, growth, financial discipline and commercial execution.
Portfolio
The full programme portfolio
Explore ICSE Zambia programmes focused on business capability, commercial readiness and long-term enterprise growth.
Pilot
ICSE Venture Build & MVP Lab
Takes commercially promising ideas and rapidly tests whether they can become real businesses: customer discovery, a minimum viable product or service, first pricing and a pilot sale.
For
Founders with an idea, a prototype or an unproven concept.
Format
Build sprints against defined stages — Idea, Validation, MVP, Pilot, First revenue, Commercialisation, Growth. Founders apply to enter the pipeline.
Diagnoses the barrier holding back an operating business and implements the specific commercial intervention required — markets, sales, distribution, exports, finance, systems, partnerships or capacity.
For
Operating businesses with customers and revenue seeking measurable growth.
Format
Growth diagnostic, then a costed intervention plan executed with the owner.
Repair, rebuild, return to growth. A practical turnaround assessment for distressed businesses that still hold recoverable value in customers, assets, staff, licences, products or contracts.
For
Distressed but potentially viable operating businesses.
Format
Turnaround assessment followed by stabilisation, restructuring and rebuild support, or a controlled exit where recovery is inappropriate.
Many opportunities require capabilities no single entrepreneur or company holds. ICSE Zambia assembles businesses, professionals, investors, suppliers, financiers and operators around a defined commercial opportunity.
For
Businesses, professionals, investors and asset owners with a specific capability.
Format
Opportunity → capability gap → partner selection → structure → agreement → execution. This is not networking; the objective is a working commercial partnership.
Organises individuals and smaller businesses where collective action creates real commercial advantage — aggregation, volume, standards and buyer access. The test is commercial, not social.
For
Producer groups, artisans, transporters, suppliers and professional groupings.
Format
Commercial concept and member selection first, then governance, ownership, contracts and buyer development. Currently in design with candidate groups.
A structured entry programme covering business model design, costing, record keeping, compliance basics and stewardship ethics for early-stage Zambian founders.
For
Pre-revenue and early-revenue founders, church-based business groups, youth cooperatives.
Format
Six modules, delivered in-person in Lusaka with a facilitated cohort workbook.
Support for operating micro and small enterprises moving from informal trading into formal, bankable structures with records that stand up to lender and buyer scrutiny.
For
Traders, service providers and producers with existing customers and consistent revenue.
Format
Advisory clinics plus a documentation sprint; currently piloted with a limited Lusaka cohort.
A value-chain programme for smallholder-linked agribusinesses focused on aggregation, post-harvest handling, sustainable land practice and offtake negotiation.
For
Farmer groups, agro-processors and rural cooperatives in Central, Southern and Eastern provinces.
Format
Design phase. Curriculum, partner agronomists and pilot districts are being finalised.
