By Ayomide Otitoju
The Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, the Africa Creative Market (ACM), and the National Arts Council of Zambia (NAC) have announced a strategic collaboration to host a series of major creative industry events aimed at positioning Zambia as a leading hub for Africa’s creative economy.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference held at the Lusaka Showgrounds under the theme “Creative Convergence.” Organisers revealed that Zambia will host the Creative Industry Business Summit (CIBS) in partnership with the Africa Creative Market (ACM) from June 29 to July 2, 2026, followed by the Kwimbo National Arts Festival on July 3 and 4, 2026.
According to the organisers, the initiative is designed to create a seamless pathway linking grassroots creative talent with continental and global business opportunities by combining policy development, business networking, and cultural showcases within a single platform.
Opening the event, Director of Arts at the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Esther Ng’ambi, said the convergence reflects a coordinated effort between the Ministry and its statutory bodies to advance the growth of Zambia’s creative sector through a unified institutional strategy.
The session was moderated by FashionEVO Founder, Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi, and National Arts Council of Zambia Director, Maanka A. Chipindi, who acknowledged government officials, international delegates, and industry stakeholders from Zambia, Nigeria, South Africa, and other countries. They also recognised the participation of key local industry groups, including leaders of national arts associations, the National Association of Media Arts (NAMA), and the Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM).
Delivering the government’s keynote address, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Kangwa Chileshe, said Zambia has established the policy and regulatory framework needed to attract international investment into its creative sector.
He noted that under the administration of President Hakainde Hichilema, the government has implemented significant policy, legislative, and institutional reforms over the past five years to transform the creative arts industry into a viable contributor to economic growth.
Chileshe highlighted investment-friendly measures introduced by the government, including the removal of import duties on music and film production equipment and Zambia’s accession to the ATA Carnet system, which allows the temporary duty-free importation of commercial creative goods.
The partnership also marks the first major expansion of the Africa Creative Market beyond its traditional base in Lagos, Nigeria. ACM Convener and President of the Ascend Studios Foundation and WIFT Africa, Dr. Inya Lawal, said the initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration among governments, private sector operators, development organisations, and academic institutions to drive investment and growth across Africa’s creative economy.
Lawal disclosed that since its establishment in 2022, ACM has facilitated more than $200 million in investments across the continent, adding that Zambia was selected due to the country’s readiness to support industry growth and innovation.
During the briefing, ACM announced Dr. Bridget Kambobe, Group Head of Public Relations and Corporate Affairs at Trade Kings Group, as the official Patroness of the Africa Creative Market Zambia events.
Speaking after her appointment, Kambobe described the creative industry as a major economic opportunity for the region, urging private-sector organisations to invest in the development of sustainable creative ecosystems.
“The private sector believes that the creative industry is the next copper,” she said, stressing the need for strategic partnerships to unlock the sector’s full potential.
Organisers also unveiled a range of specialised programmes that will form part of the upcoming events.
The FashionEVO Summit & Show, led by Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi, will feature a cross-border accelerator programme connecting designers, stylists, and fashion buyers from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Zambia.
The Business of Photography, founded by Kola Oshalusi, will focus on strengthening commercial structures within the photography and digital content sectors to enhance professional opportunities and corporate engagement.
Digital Creator Africa, led by Oma Areh, will spotlight emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality, and gaming ecosystems.
The Global Creative Legal Summit, founded by Oyinkansola Foza Faweyinmi, will address intellectual property protection, regulatory compliance, and legal frameworks supporting Africa’s creative industries.
Meanwhile, Actors Spaces, founded by Ayanda and Naiwa Sithebe, will deliver professional development programmes and masterclasses aimed at strengthening the acting profession across the continent.
The Kingdom Film Festival, founded by Elwoma Luther-Abegunde and represented at the briefing by Lawrence Thompson, will showcase faith-based storytelling and filmmaking.
The organisers called on investors, development partners, creative professionals, and international media organisations to participate in the events, describing the convergence as a significant opportunity to strengthen Africa’s creative economy and expand regional trade and investment in the sector.
