Lusaka, Zambia- March 31st, 2026 – Yesterday, the highly anticipated Boosting WomeninAg Pitch Night brought together a dynamic group of around 150 agri-entrepreneurs, innovators, financial sector representatives and industry experts for an evening focused on advancing women’s participation and leadership in agriculture, fostering ideas, collaboration, and financing opportunity.
In her opening remarks, H.E. Karolina Stasiak, EU Ambassador to Zambia and COMESA, highlighted the critical role of supporting women in agriculture. The Head of the European Investment Bank’s Southern Africa Hub, Jim Hodges, highlighted the catalytic role of accessible finance in enabling (female) agri-enterprises to scale and expand. Their remarks set the tone for an inspiring talk by Ms Sylvia Banda (Sylva Food Solutions), who shared her story, challenges, and achievements in the sector.
Afterwards, the five contestants took to the stage to present their enterprises – competing for the win- outlining their (green) growth plans for engagement with smallholder farmers and their financing needs to support expansion before a panel of judges and an engaged audience. The pitches put forward investment-ready opportunities across various agriculture and agribusiness sectors, underpinned by innovative thinking and clear, practical pathways to growth and impact.
“We are thrilled with the quality of innovative ideas presented and the level of engagement from participants and attendees,” said Karolina Stasiak, Ambassador of the European Union to Zambia and COMESA. “This Pitch Night shows how women can lead agri-enterprises, and with a better access to finance they can drive growth and create jobs and new opportunities across the sector.”
“In the face of two of today’s most pressing challenges—climate change and social inequalities— we need more inclusive finance to better leverage the power of diversity and women’s leadership to accelerate sustainable agriculture. European Investment Bank (EIB Global) has partnered with local banks to improve access to financing for the agriculture sector, with a keen focus on women. They are the backbone of the agricultural sector – a highly climate sensitive sector, performing the majority of labour in food production but face more challenges in accessing finance to grow their businesses, ” added Jim Hodges, the Head of the EIB Regional Hub for Southern Africa.
Following a competitive selection process, Mizya Damaseke (Fikile Solutions Limited) won the audience vote, while Zindaba Hanzala (Mulimi) was selected as the jury’s winner, distinguished by their investment-ready business models, commercial viability, and strong potential for impact. They will receive the chance to obtain a loan from a leading bank, critical mentorship and market access through business community connections.
The drive of the outstanding women entrepreneurs in the spotlight and their passion in presenting exceptional and inspiring ideas filled the evening with positive energy. Alongside Mizya Damaseke and Zindaba Hanzala, three other women took to the stage: Marina Kamanzi (Kagezi Seed Company Limited), Mirriam Nalomba (Shaisfoods), and Justina Wanjiru Wairimu (Omega Foods Limited).
The networking helped participants to connect with investors, mentors, and peers, and to explore potential collaborations ways beyond the event itself.
The Pitch Night is part of an EIB Advisory programme which comes in support of the EIB’s EUR 40 million agriculture value chain financing facility managed by First Capital Bank, Zanaco and Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank Limited (ZICB). The facility is backed by the European Union and European Investment Bank, as part of the broader Team Europe support for sustainable commercialisation of smallholder farmers in Zambia.
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