Zambia postures creative economy as ‘The Next Copper’ in historic triple-platform deal - Businessday NG

In a historic unified front, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Africa Creative Market (ACM), and the National Arts Council of Zambia (NAC) has 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, 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.