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By Chukwuma Umeorah
Africa Creative Market (ACM) has partnered the Zambian government and the National Arts Council of Zambia to expand access to financing, investment opportunities and business networks within the country’s creative sector.
The partnership will see Zambia host the Creative Industry Business Summit (CIBS) from June 29 to July 2, followed by the Kwimbo National Arts Festival on July 3 and 4, bringing together policymakers, investors, creative entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders.
Speaking at a joint briefing in Lusaka, ACM Convener, Dr. Inya Lawal, said the initiative was designed to address fragmentation across Africa’s creative ecosystem and facilitate investment in the sector.
“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,” Lawal said.
The expansion into Zambia marks ACM’s first major programme outside Nigeria since the platform was established in 2022. According to Lawal, ACM has facilitated more than $200 million in investments across Africa during that period.
Government officials said the partnership aligns with Zambia’s efforts to strengthen the creative economy through policy reforms and investment incentives.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Kangwa Chileshe, said measures introduced by the government include the removal of import duties on music and film equipment as well as Zambia’s accession to the ATA Carnet system, which allows temporary duty-free importation of professional equipment and creative goods.
“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.”
Stakeholders at the event also highlighted the role of private sector funding in developing the industry. Dr Bridget Kambobe, Group Head of Public Relations and Corporate Affairs at Trade Kings Group, said businesses increasingly view the creative sector as a potential source of economic value.
“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.”
Organisers said the summit will feature discussions on investment, intellectual property protection, creative entrepreneurship, digital content creation and emerging technologies, while also providing networking opportunities for industry participants. The programme will include sector-focused sessions on fashion, photography, film, digital content creation, gaming, artificial intelligence, legal frameworks and performance arts.
Vice Chairman of the National Arts Council Board, Tivo Shikapwashya, said the initiative is intended to improve market access and business opportunities for artists and creative entrepreneurs. “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.”
