Zambia Positions Itself as Africa’s Emerging Creative Economy Hub
Zambia today reinforced its position as a leading destination for creative industry investment as the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Africa Creative Market (ACM), and the National Arts Council of Zambia (NAC) hosted a joint press conference at the Lusaka Showgrounds. Under the shared theme “Creative Convergence,” organisers officially announced that Zambia will host three landmark creative industry events: the Creative Industry Business Summit (CIBS) in strategic partnership with the Africa Creative Market (ACM) from 29 June to 2 July 2026, followed immediately by the Kwimbo National Arts Festival on 3–4 July 2026.
This unprecedented collaboration creates a strategic pipeline connecting grassroots creative talent to continental and global business opportunities. The initiative integrates policy development, business matchmaking, investment facilitation, and cultural celebration into one marketplace.
This approach strengthens connections between creatives, investors, and industry stakeholders.
It positions Zambia as a leading hub for Africa’s creative trade and investment ecosystem.
Government and Industry Unite to Drive Creative Sector Growth
Opening the media engagement, Ms Esther Ng’ambi, Director of Arts at the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, delivered the welcome address. She emphasised that the Creative Convergence initiative reflects a coordinated institutional alignment between the Ministry and its statutory boards, aimed at implementing a unified strategy for the advancement of Zambia’s creative industries.
Following her remarks, the session was handed over to moderators Dr Yetty Ogunnubi, Founder of FashionEVO, and Mr Maanka A. Chipindi, Director of the National Arts Council of Zambia. They formally recognised ministerial teams, government officials, and international delegates in attendance. The moderators also acknowledged the participation of programme partners from Nigeria, South Africa, and other international markets. With local stakeholders including Leaders of National Arts Associations, the National Association of Media Arts (NAMA), and the Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM).
Zambia’s Creative Industry Investment Framework Attracts Global Attention
Delivering the Government Keynote Address, Mr Kangwa Chileshe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, highlighted the country’s readiness to attract large-scale international investment into the creative sector.
“Over the last five years, the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, has made significant strides in transforming the creative arts sector into a viable economic driver through comprehensive policy, legislative, and institutional reforms. Zambia is ready. Ready to host, ready to partner, ready to invest, and ready to shine.”
The Permanent Secretary outlined key government incentives designed to stimulate growth in Zambia’s creative sector.
These include the removal of import duties on music and film production equipment.
Zambia’s accession to the ATA Carnet system enables temporary duty-free importation of professional creative goods and equipment.
Africa Creative Market Expands Beyond Nigeria for the First Time
The partnership marks Africa Creative Market’s first expansion beyond Lagos, Nigeria, strengthening its footprint across Africa’s creative economy.
Dr Inya Lawal, Convener of the Africa Creative Market and President of the Ascend Studios Foundation and WIFT Africa, explained that the initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration across government, private sector, development organisations, and academia.
“We noticed that for a long time, the private sector was working in silos, same with government, same with the development sector, and academia. We got together and decided to create a platform where there would be a level playing field, where everyone feels equal, and where we can come together not just to talk but to facilitate investment and grow the creative economy.”
Since its launch in 2022, ACM has facilitated more than $200 million in investments across Africa. Dr Lawal noted that Lusaka was selected because Zambia has demonstrated both readiness and potential for significant creative industry expansion.
Private Sector Declares Creative Industry “The Next Copper”
During the briefing, ACM announced Dr Bridget Kambobe, Trade Kings Group executive, as Patroness of its Zambia events.
Accepting the appointment, Dr Kambobe underscored the immense economic potential of the creative sector.
“The private sector believes that the creative industry is the next copper. Because it is the next copper, we have to be intentional in building ecosystems. When we invite you to partner as private companies, we are looking for your brands to partner equitably.”
She stressed that the creative economy is driven by human potential, requiring stronger collaboration between creatives and corporate stakeholders.
Kwimbo National Arts Festival to Connect Creativity with Commerce
Integrating the Kwimbo National Arts Festival into Creative Convergence ensures artistic celebration translates into sustainable economic opportunities.
Mr Tivo Shikapwashya, Vice Chairman of the National Arts Council Board, reaffirmed NAC’s commitment to growing the creative sector. He highlighted the importance of transforming artistic talent into sustainable economic value.
He also emphasized international partnerships and market access opportunities as key drivers of growth.
“These platforms reflect the National Arts Council’s commitment to transforming creativity into economic growth through international collaboration. Beyond celebration, Kwimbo is designed to provide a vibrant platform where emerging and established artists can exhibit their talents, develop professional networks, and access new audiences and markets.”
Kwimbo 2026 will showcase creators in fashion, music, film, digital arts, comedy, theatre, dance, literature, and crafts.
Key Industry Platforms Driving Creative Convergence 2026
The briefing highlighted continental programme partners leading specialised industry segments throughout the two-week Creative Convergence event series:
• FashionEVO Summit & Show
Dr Yetty Ogunnubi, Founder of FashionEVO, outlined a cross-border accelerator programme culminating at the July summit. Designers, stylists, buyers, and fashion entrepreneurs from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria will engage with Zambia’s fashion ecosystem to build new trade partnerships and market opportunities.
• Business of Photography
Mr Kola Oshalusi, Founder of the Business of Photography, discussed the importance of establishing sustainable business frameworks for photographers and digital content creators to improve commercial opportunities and corporate engagement.
• Digital Creator Africa
Led by Ms Oma Areh, this platform will explore emerging creative technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), gaming, and digital content ecosystems.
• Global Creative Legal Summit
Founded by Ms Oyinkansola Foza Faweyinmi, this initiative will focus on intellectual property protection, regulatory frameworks, legal compliance, and policies that support Africa’s growing creative economy.
• Actors Spaces
Founded by Mr Ayanda Sithebe and Ms Naiwa Sithebe, Actors Spaces will deliver masterclasses, mentorship opportunities, and professional development programmes designed to strengthen and scale talent within the acting profession.
• Kingdom Film Festival
Founded by Elwoma Luther-Abegunde and represented by Mr Lawrence Thompson, the Kingdom Film Festival remains Africa’s premier platform for celebrating and advancing faith-based storytelling through film.
Registration and Participation Information
The collective leadership of ACM, CIBS, and Kwimbo 2026 invites investors, development partners, creative practitioners, industry stakeholders, and international media organisations to register and participate in this landmark convergence of creativity, commerce, and culture.
For more information:
• https://www.mysa.gov.zm/cibs/
•https://africacreativemarketglobal.com/
Media Contact
Joint Press Contact Office
Lusaka Showgrounds, Lusaka, Zambia
Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts / Africa Creative Market / National Arts Council of Zambia
