Zambia Invites Indian Film Industry to Boost Tourism and Creative Growth
Minister of Tourism, Honourable Rodney Sikumba, has invited the Indian film industry to partner with Zambia in promoting tourism, attracting investment and accelerating growth in the creative economy.
Speaking at the launch of the inaugural Indian Film Festival in Lusaka, Mr Sikumba said Zambia is keen to strengthen practical cooperation with India in film production, film tourism and skills development.
He described film as a powerful tool for destination marketing and economic transformation, noting its ability to create jobs, stimulate investment and generate long-term tourism demand.
The Minister highlighted Zambia’s rich and diverse filming locations, including iconic waterfalls, rivers, wildlife, national parks, heritage sites and modern urban settings. He added that the country offers a safe, stable and investor-friendly environment for international productions.
Mr Sikumba said that under the New Dawn Government led by President Hakainde Hichilema, Zambia has prioritised private sector-led growth, investment facilitation and economic diplomacy. Tourism and the creative industries, he noted, are central to the country’s economic diversification and sustainable development agenda.
He assured Indian filmmakers of full Government support, including the facilitation of filming permits, access to locations and effective coordination among institutions to ensure smooth operations.
Indian High Commissioner to Zambia, Mr Alok Ranjan Jha, said India’s film industry extends far beyond Bollywood, encompassing a wide range of languages and regional productions. He described it as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing film industries.
Mr Jha expressed India’s interest in joint film productions, cultural exchanges and creative sector partnerships with Zambia, saying such cooperation would create economic opportunities while strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The Indian Film Festival, organised by the High Commission of India, is being held ahead of India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations and is expected to serve as a platform for cultural exchange, investment promotion and future collaboration in film, tourism and the creative industries.
