Zambia and Brazil Forge Partnership to Boost Creative Arts Sector
The Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts in Zambia has announced a significant partnership with the Embassy of Brazil, aimed at promoting and developing the creative arts sector in Zambia.
During a ceremony held on May 31, 2024, in Lusaka, Permanent Secretary Fumba Chama expressed his gratitude to the Brazilian Embassy for mobilizing USD 26,400 towards translating six Brazilian books into Zambian local languages, a project managed through the Zambia Women Writers Association and the National Arts Council.
Mr. Chama highlighted the importance of the creative writing industry, emphasizing that despite its crucial role in the arts, it often receives less recognition. He reiterated the government’s vision to foster more collaborations in creative writing and other art forms.
The roadmap signed between the Ministry and the Brazilian Embassy outlines a partnership to harness the power of the creative industry in driving sustainable development, empowering youth, and transforming Zambia’s economic landscape.
“The Government is committed to unlocking the creative sector’s full potential for the prosperity and well-being of Zambians,” Chama stated.
He emphasized that the partnership will promote the exchange of experiences across various fields of the creative economy, including visual arts, music, theatre, dance, poetry, film, fashion, and literature.
Chama also announced the upcoming National Arts Festival (NAF), scheduled for August 27-31 at the Piazza, East Park Mall in Lusaka. This year’s festival theme, “Embracing Creativity; Zambia @60,” coincides with Zambia’s 60th Independence Anniversary.
He extended an open invitation to the Diplomatic Corps in Zambia to participate and invite their respective countries to join the celebrations.
Since its inception in 2022, the NAF has been a vibrant platform for showcasing Zambia’s artistic talent, and this year’s event promises a diverse and unique presentation of creativity and artistry.
The Permanent Secretary appreciated the Brazilian Embassy’s initiative, noting that such collaborations support the Eighth National Development Plan’s objective of ensuring socio-economic transformation for improved livelihoods.
The partnership is expected to contribute to employment creation and revenue generation among artists.
In addition to the current collaboration, Mr. Chama revealed that the Zambian Government plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Brazil, further solidifying their commitment to developing the creative arts sector.
This partnership builds on the National Arts and National Film Policies launched on March 6, 2024, designed to provide a dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable legal framework for artists to thrive.
“The two policies are critical in ensuring that the creative arts industry value chain in Zambia is developed to contribute to marketing Zambia as a tourist destination, creating jobs, and improving the livelihoods of everyone involved in the art value chain,” Chama concluded.
The Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts, through its Public Relations Unit, continues to work towards enhancing Zambia’s cultural and artistic landscape, ensuring the creative arts sector plays a pivotal role in the nation’s development.
