In a historic unified front, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Africa Creative Market (ACM), and the National Arts Council of Zambia (NAC) today hosted a joint press conference at the Lusaka Showgrounds. Under the shared theme “Creative Convergence,” organisers officially announced that Zambia will host a continuum of three landmark events: the Creative Industry Business Summit (CIBS) in strategic partnership with the Africa Creative Market (ACM) from June 29th to July 2nd, 2026, followed immediately by the Kwimbo National Arts Festival on July 3rd and 4th, 2026.
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.
Opening the media engagement, Ms Esther Ng’ambi, Director of Arts at the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, delivered the welcome address. In her remarks, Ms. 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.
Following her opening remarks, the session was handed over to the moderators, Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi (Founder, FashionEVO) and Mr. Maanka A. Chipindi (Director, National Arts Council of Zambia), who established the formal protocol for the gathering. They officially recognised the internal ministerial teams, state officials, and visiting international delegates. They also acknowledged the vital participation of cross-sector program 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).
Delivering the Government Keynote Address, Mr. Kangwa Chileshe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts, declared that Zambia has established the necessary regulatory frameworks to safely attract large-scale international investments:
“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 highlighted key investment incentives implemented by the state, including the complete removal of import duties on music and film equipment, as well as 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. Dr. Inya Lawal, Convener of the Africa Creative Market and President of the Ascend Studios Foundation and WIFT Africa, 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, 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 talk but to facilitate investment and grow the creative economy.”
Since its inception in 2022, ACM has facilitated over $200 million in investments across Africa. Dr. Lawal explained that the joint venture selected Lusaka because “Zambia is ready… we see an industry that is ready to take over and sprout.”
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: “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.” Dr. 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 integration ensures that the cultural celebration of the Kwimbo National Arts Festival transitions seamlessly into a sustainable enterprise. 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.”
Kwimbo 2026 will bring together multi-disciplinary creators spanning fashion, music, film, digital arts, comedy, theatre, dance, literary arts, and visual crafts.
The joint press briefing spotlighted an elite group of continental program partners who are steering specific industry segments for the upcoming double-week events:
– FashionEVO Summit & Show: Co-moderator Dr Yetty Ogunnubi, Founder of FashionEVO, detailed a cross-border accelerator program ending at the July summit. Designers, stylists, and fashion buyers from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria will arrive in Lusaka to build direct trade lines with the Zambian fashion association.
– Business of Photography: Mr. Kola Oshalusi, Founder of the Business of Photography, addressed commercial standard-setting, emphasising the need to build business structures around digital content creators to secure equitable corporate contracting.
– Digital Creator Africa: Led by Ms. Oma Areh, this segment will focus on emerging tech sectors including AI, AR/VR, and gaming content ecosystems.
– Global Creative Legal Summit: Founded by Ms. Oyinkansola Foza Faweyinmi, this partner platform will focus on regulatory structures, legal protections, and compliance strategies to secure and protect intellectual property rights within the African creative industry.
– Actors Spaces: Founded by Mr. Ayanda Sithebe and Ms. Naiwa Sithebe, this dedicated program partner will champion performance art, conducting specialised masterclasses and professional development structures to elevate, protect, and scale talent across the acting profession.
– Kingdom Film Festival: Founded by Elwoma Luther-Abegunde and ably represented by Mr. Lawrence Thompson. Africa’s global premier platform celebrating faith-driven storytelling through film.
The collective leadership of ACM, CIBS, and Kwimbo 2026 invites cooperating partners, regional investors, creative practitioners, and international media networks to register and participate in this definitive convergence. For more information:
Joint Press Contact Office Showgrounds, Lusaka, Zambia
Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts / Africa Creative Market / National Arts Council of Zambia Press Desk:
YD Company: yd@yettyd.com
The future of the African creative economy is being built here. Zambia is ready.
About Africa Creative Market (ACM)
Africa Creative Market is the premier platform dedicated to accelerating the growth of Africa’s creative and cultural industries. By fostering connections between stakeholders, investors, and policymakers, ACM works to ensure that African talent has the resources, infrastructure, and global visibility required to thrive.
Creative Industries Business Summit Zambia (CIBSZ)
Creative Industries Business Summit Zambia (CIBSZ) is an annual event that will bring together creative professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders to harness Africa’s creative potential for innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development. CIBSZ is an initiative of the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Department of Arts and National Arts Council of Zambia.
KWIMBO National Arts Festival
KWIMBO National Arts Festival is Zambia’s flagship celebration of arts, culture, and creativity, bringing together artists, cultural practitioners, creative entrepreneurs, and audiences from across the country and beyond. The festival serves as a vibrant platform for showcasing Zambia’s rich cultural heritage, promoting artistic excellence, fostering innovation, and strengthening the creative economy through collaboration and meaningful partnerships.
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