erite@lusaka:~$ research --policy --markets
A think tank and implementation platform headquartered in Lusaka, Zambia — translating data-driven research into actionable policy and market solutions for sustainable development across Africa.
The Institute
ERITE is a Zambian-registered nonprofit founded in 2023 to pioneer solutions at the nexus of technology and economics. Building on the decade-long legacy of our sister organization, IFE Zambia—established by former Bank of Zambia Governor Dr. Caleb Fundanga—ERITE takes a holistic approach to sustainable development.
By combining high-level policy analysis with active commercial execution, we bridge the critical gap between visionary policy and tangible, real-world results.
Research Portfolio
Evidence-based policies that drive technological diffusion and strengthen public sector capacity — from macroeconomic analysis and sovereign debt research to regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies.
Gender-responsive programs that move SMEs from cash-only operations to digitally integrated businesses — unlocking market access across the continent.
Green technologies as foundational to long-term economic stability — off-grid renewable deployment strategies, climate-smart agriculture economics, and green public procurement advisory.
Artificial intelligence tailored to Africa's institutional realities — ensuring the continent is not merely a consumer of global AI, but a producer of context-appropriate intelligence.
AI for Africa
Global AI models are trained on data, languages and institutions that barely resemble Africa's. ERITE's AI Project develops context-appropriate intelligence — tools built for African markets, African languages and African policy realities.
Flagship Platforms
Est. 2018 · 9th Consecutive Year
The premier B2B & B2C deal-flow engine connecting 1,000+ attendees, 600+ companies and 40+ solution exhibitors across Africa's digital commerce ecosystem. 08–09 October 2026 · Taj Pamodzi Hotel, Lusaka.
Visit eafricaexpo.com ↗Gala Dinner · 09 Oct 2026 · Taj Pamodzi
Recognizing the architects of Africa's digital economy. A rigorous, data-driven adjudication across 15 categories — overseen by macroeconomic experts, not popularity contests. Nominations close June 30, 2026.
Visit eafricaawards.com ↗Programs & Initiatives
PRG.01 // INCUBATION
Year-round incubation, mentorship and foundational capital for female founders — 200+ women trained across 4 cohorts, with 65% adopting digital payments within 3 months.
PRG.02 // SEED FUNDING
Funding and scaling disruptive digital ideas from university students under 30 — including a 3-month e-commerce bootcamp and seed funding on the Expo stage.
PRG.03 // CAMPUS NETWORK
Quarterly campus events connecting students with industry professionals to cultivate e-commerce ideas into sustainable businesses — 150+ teams mentored to date.
PRG.04 // POLICY DIALOGUE
Conceived with the SMART Zambia Institute — quarterly closed-door roundtables where grassroots participants, regulators, executives and scholars shape digital policy.
"Development transcends financial capital; it requires the right ideas — translated into policies that reshape markets and institutions."
Vision 2030
By 2030: 15,000 MSMEs on digital payments across four SADC countries · 500 startups incubated · 5 central banks formally engaged · peer-reviewed evidence shaping regional policy.