Arts sector can boost Zambia’s GDP beyond 1% contribution, says minister Nkandu

Government says the arts and creative industry has the potential to significantly increase its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which currently stands at less than one percent.

Youth, Sports and Arts Minister, Elvis Nkandu, reaffirmed government’s commitment to re-engineering the creative economy in line with the National Arts Policy, which promotes creative entrepreneurship and the professionalisation of the sector.

Speaking during the 2025 First National Bank (FNB) Zambia arts schools competition finale on Friday in Lusaka, Nkandu said the ministry remained committed to creating an enabling environment for the growth of the sub-sector.

He noted that the policy emphasized strong public-private partnerships (PPPs) as a key strategy for unlocking the full potential of the creative industry.

“We often cite the sobering statistic that Zambia’s arts and creative industry contributes less than one percent to our GDP. However, the energy, skill, and passion displayed by the young artistes we celebrate here tonight are undeniable proof that this narrative is not our destiny. We can, and we must, change this story,” he said.

Commenting on the awards, Nkandu described the collaboration between the bank, the National Arts Council, and the Visual Arts Council as a model PPP that demonstrates the transformative impact of private-sector support.

Meanwhile, Bank Chief Executive Officer, Kampupe Chola, said the creative industry’s current contribution to GDP must change, adding that real progress required deliberate investment, visibility, and platforms that support artists.

“That’s why we have chosen to keep building on what we started. This year’s theme, ‘My Next is Now,’ is about recognising that the future of creativity is already here. It is in these young people — in their vision and in their ability to tell our stories through art that is bold, thoughtful, and proudly Zambian,” Chola said.

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