Zambia will host a historic triple-platform creative economy gathering in Lusaka, as the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, the Africa Creative Market, and the National Arts Council of Zambia unite under the shared theme “Creative Convergence.” The Creative Industry Business Summit, held in strategic partnership with the Africa Creative Market, runs from the 29th of June to the 2nd of July 2026, followed immediately by the Kwimbo National Arts Festival on 3rd and 4th July.
The collaboration marks the first time the Africa Creative Market is expanding its main footprint outside of Lagos, Nigeria, positioning Zambia as a new continental hub connecting grassroots talent to global business ecosystems. Running under the 2026 theme “Where Creativity, Technology and Collaboration Harness Global Greatness,” the event spans two venues: the Mulungushi International Conference Centre from the 29th of June through to the 2nd of July, followed by a two-day continuation at Polo B, Lusaka Showgrounds.
Why Zambia, Why Now?
Dr. Inya Lawal, Convener of the Africa Creative Market, explained the rationale behind the move: “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 to talk but to facilitate investment and grow the creative economy.” Since its inception in 2022, the Africa Creative Market has facilitated over $200 million in investments across the continent.
Tivo Shikapwashya, Vice Chairman of the National Arts Council Board, framed the summit’s ambitions clearly: “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.”
What to Expect
Kwimbo 2026 will bring together multi-disciplinary creators spanning fashion, music, film, digital arts, comedy, theatre, dance, literary arts, and visual crafts. Specialist programme tracks include a FashionEVO cross-border accelerator drawing designers and buyers from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria, alongside a Global Creative Legal Summit focused on intellectual property protections for African creators.
Organisers describe the event as where creativity meets business, offering networking with the power players of Africa’s creative economy, exclusive investment-driven deal rooms, and high-level policy and growth discussions, alongside hackathons, exhibitions, premieres, and awards.
The Lusaka gathering joins a fast-growing calendar of major creator economy events across the continent in 2026, including the Africa Borderless Creative Economy Summit and Lagos’s African Creators Summit, underscoring how rapidly Africa’s creative sector is being built into a formal, investable industry rather than treated as informal cultural output.
Africa Presents is a Pan-African digital magazine and monthly publication covering politics, business, economy, culture, tech, and the stories shaping Africa and its diaspora. Visit africapresents.com and follow @AfricaPresents for daily coverage and monthly themed magazine editions.
Leave a comment