The Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts of Zambia, the Africa Creative Market (ACM), and the National Arts Council of Zambia (NAC) recently held a joint press conference at the Lusaka Showground under the theme 'Creative Convergence.' This event aimed to accelerate Africa’s creative economy through a historic unified front.
Key Personalities and Partnerships
The press conference was moderated by Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi, founder of FashionEVO, and Mr. Maanka A. Chipindi, Director of the National Arts Council of Zambia. Attendees included high-profile figures from Nigeria, South Africa, and other international territories, as well as local sector groups such as the Leaders of National Arts Associations, the National Association of Media Arts (NAMA), and the Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM).
Landmark Events Unveiled
During the conference, organizers officially announced Zambia as the host of three major events. The Creative Industry Business Summit (CIBS), in partnership with ACM, will take place from June 29 to July 2, 2026. Following that, the Kwimbo National Arts Festival will be held on July 3 and 4, 2026, bringing together creators in fashion, music, film, digital arts, comedy, theatre, dance, literary arts, and visual crafts.
Connecting Local Talent to Global Markets
This joint initiative establishes a deliberate pipeline connecting local grassroots talent to continental and global business ecosystems. By integrating policy infrastructure, business matchmaking, and cultural celebration into a single marketplace, the collaboration positions Zambia as the definitive hub for Africa’s creative trade.
Dr. Inya Lawal on Standardizing Business Operations
Dr. Inya Lawal, Convener of ACM and President of the Ascend Studios Foundation and WIFT Africa, noted that the venture aims to standardize business operations across the continent. She explained that for a long time, the private sector, government, development sector, and academia worked in silos. The platform creates a level playing field where everyone feels equal, facilitating investment and growing the creative economy.
Since its inception in 2022, ACM has facilitated over $200 million in investments across Africa. Lawal stated that Lusaka was chosen because 'Zambia is ready. We see an industry that is ready to take over and sprout.'
Government Support and Investment Incentives
Ms. Esther Ng’ambi, Director of Arts at the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, emphasized that the convergence represents a coordinated institutional alignment between the Ministry and its statutory boards to execute a unified strategy for local creative advancement.
Permanent Secretary Mr. Kangwa Chileshe delivered the government’s keynote, declaring that Zambia has established the necessary regulatory frameworks to attract large-scale international investments. He highlighted key incentives, including the complete removal of import duties on music and film equipment, and Zambia’s official accession to the ATA Carnet system, which allows temporary duty-free importation of commercial creative goods.
Chileshe said: '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 to host, ready to partner, ready to invest, and ready to shine.'
Expansion of Africa Creative Market
This strategic partnership marks the first time ACM is expanding its main footprint outside of Lagos, Nigeria. During the briefing, ACM announced Dr. Bridget Kambobe, Group Head of Public Relations and Corporate Affairs at Trade Kings Group, as the official Patroness for the ACM Zambia events.
Dr. Kambobe highlighted the private sector’s perspective on the immense fiscal potential of the region, stating: '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 emphasized that the creative sector carries raw human potential that refuses to be limited by traditional market factors of demand and supply, making corporate alignment a timely and necessary move.
Commitment from National Arts Council
Mr. Tivo Shikapwashya, Vice Chairman of the National Arts Council Board, stated: '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.'
