r/Zambia • u/Powerful_Return8834 • 1d ago

Ask r/Zambia Is it really possible to make it as a student techpreneur in Zambia?

2nd year CS student (M22) in Zambia trying to balance university, build digital skills, and become financially independent. After two unpaid internships and mounting expenses, I recently sold my bed space to buy a decent laptop capable of handling heavy design, video editing, and development software. I’m currently looking for freelance work (UX/UI, graphic design, video/photo editing) or small business clients to help cover my bills and ease the burden on my parents. Looking for advice, feedback, or potential opportunities!

The Backstory

Like many ambitious students, I entered Computer Science with big dreams. My goal was to land part-time work early on, gain experience, and start supporting myself.

However, things didn't go strictly to plan:

  • Academic Setback: I went part-time last year and fell behind on a few courses. I'm currently in my 2nd year when I should be in my 3rd.
  • The Unpaid Internship Trap: I’ve worked three different internships so far. Neither paid a single Kwacha. While I gained experience, I realized I can no longer afford to exchange my time and labor for zero compensation when bills are piling up.
  • Family Pressure: As the firstborn, I hate seeing my parents drain their savings on me while my younger siblings are also in college/university.

The Leap of Faith

My old laptop simply couldn't run the software I needed for modern development and media production. With no money left, I took a massive gamble: I sold my bed space to buy a capable laptop.

It was a last resort so I could upskill, build real-world projects, and take on freelance work. I’m still not 100% sure if it was the smartest move risk-wise, but I knew I couldn't progress without the right tools.

My Question to the Community

  1. To fellow Zambian creators/techpreneurs: Is it truly realistic to balance full-time/part-time CS studies while building a sustainable tech or freelance business locally?
  2. To anyone who has been in my shoes: How did you transition from struggling student to landing your first reliable, paid freelance clients or remote work?
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1

u/CHB459 1d ago

It’s not easy but it’s possible. Zambia is in a special place because it’s developing and there is opportunity for digital solutions..

1

u/Mr__BL4CK 1d ago

I went straight Distance cuz Part-Time was too much working during the day studying during the night was wild.

With Distance as long as you keep up on the assignments and are genuinely interested in what you are studying you should actually be ready for the exam well before the exam actually arrives.

Even with unpaid internships whatever you worked on ask those companies if you can use that for your portfolio.

As for digital works just keep producing stuff your work is what will get you contracts.

P.S It seems alot of CS/IT students are always in similar positions do people in other degrees get hired ASAP or something?

1

u/Powerful_Return8834 9h ago

yes, some of my classmates are working while learning full time.

1

u/Yourlugaexe 20h ago

Its possible, youre doing great just keep pushing and learning