Zambia Participates in Inaugural PANAF Summit to Champion Artistic Freedom

Zambia was among the nations represented at the historic inaugural edition of the Pan African Network for Artistic Freedom (PANAF) Summit, held in Zanzibar, Tanzania, from February 9th to 10th, 2024. 

The summit convened policymakers, advocates, and artists to deliberate on strategies and policies concerning artistic freedom across the African continent, while considering both local and global contexts.

Organized with the aim of fostering dialogue and advocacy on artistic freedom, the PANAF Summit also marked a significant progression of the PANAF project, which was initiated in November 2021 across multiple African countries, including Nigeria, Gambia, Mozambique, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Ethiopia.

Zambia stands as one of the pioneering countries where PANAF will be implemented in collaboration with cultural and human rights organizations, reflecting its commitment to promoting artistic expression and creativity within its borders.

During the summit, Fumba Chama, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts, played a pivotal role by delivering a presentation and participating in a panel discussion. 

The panel focused on addressing the challenges and opportunities for artistic freedom in Africa, emphasizing the crucial role of government in advancing and safeguarding this fundamental right.