To accelerate Africa’s creative economy in a historic unified front, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Zambia, Africa Creative Market (ACM), and the National Arts Council of Zambia (NAC) recently hosted a joint press conference at the Lusaka Showground under the shared theme “Creative Convergence”.

The event, which was moderated by founder, FashionEVO, Dr Yetty Ogunnubi and the Director, National Arts Council of Zambia, Mr Maanka A. Chipindi, was attended by high profile personalities from all walks of life including cross-sector programme partners from Nigeria, South Africa, and other international territories, as well as essential local sector groups, including the Leaders of National Arts Associations, the National Association of Media Arts (NAMA), and the Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM).

During the conference, the organisers officially unveiled Zambia as host of three landmark events: 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, which will bring together multi-disciplinary creators spanning fashion, music, film, digital arts, comedy, theatre, dance, literary arts and visual crafts.

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.

Convener of the Africa Creative Market and President of the Ascend Studios Foundation and WIFT Africa, Dr. Inya Lawal noted that the venture is aimed at standardising business operations across the continent: “We noticed that for a long time, the private sector was working in silos, same with government, as well as 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 noted that since its inception in 2022, ACM has facilitated over $200 million in investments across Africa. She explained that the joint venture selected Lusaka because “Zambia is ready. We see an industry that is ready to take over and sprout.”

In her remark, Director of Arts at the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Zambia, Ms Esther Ng’ambi, emphasised that the convergence represents a coordinated institutional alignment between the Ministry and its statutory boards to execute a unified strategy for local creative advancement.

Delivering government’s keynote, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts, Mr Kangwa Chileshe, declared that Zambia has established the necessary regulatory frameworks to safely attract large-scale international investments.

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.”

Chileshe also highlighted key investment incentives executed by the state, including the complete removal of import duties on music and film equipment, alongside Zambia’s official accession to the ATA Carnet system, which permits the temporary importation of commercial creative goods duty-free.

The strategic partnership marks the first time the Africa Creative Market is expanding its main footprint outside of Lagos, Nigeria.

During the briefing, the Africa Creative Market proudly announced Dr Bridget Kambobe, Group Head of Public Relations and Corporate Affairs at Trade Kings Group, as the official Patroness for the Africa Creative Market Zambia events. Accepting the mantle, Dr Kambobe highlighted the private sector’s perspective on the immense fiscal potential of the region: She said: “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.”

Kambobe emphasised 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.

The Vice Chairman of the National Arts Council Board, Mr Tivo Shikapwashya, 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.”