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Government has pledged closer collaboration with Zambia’s creative industries, seeking to use the country’s diplomatic missions abroad to promote local talent, attract investment and create jobs.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Etambuyu Gundersen, said arts and culture were not only important tools for cultural diplomacy but also had the potential to contribute significantly to economic development.
Speaking during a panel discussion titled The Role of Art and Culture in Diplomacy at the Henry Tayali Art Gallery in Lusaka, Gundersen said Zambia could unlock new economic opportunities by harnessing its rich cultural heritage and vibrant creative sector.
She said the Ministry, through its missions abroad, would work more closely with players in the creative industries to promote the sector internationally.
“The collaboration would promote creative enterprise, attract investment and create employment, particularly for young people,” she said.
Gundersen also encouraged players in the arts and creative industries to incorporate the Brand Zambia initiative into their work to promote the country’s identity, heritage and cultural assets on the international stage.
She cited President Hakainde Hichilema’s political commitment to the sector, particularly the establishment of a dedicated ministry responsible for arts and culture, as evidence of Government’s intention to give the industry greater attention and support
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The panel, facilitated by National Arts Council of Zambia Director Maanka Chipindi, also featured Zambia National Commission for UNESCO Secretary General Samson Kantini and National Arts Council board member Bwalya Miko.
The discussion was attended by Algerian High Commissioner to Zambia Tewfik Mahi and several Zambian artists.
Kantini commended the establishment of the ministry responsible for arts and culture, saying it was a positive step towards giving the sector the recognition and attention it deserved.
Miko, meanwhile, called for cultural diplomacy to be incorporated into the training of diplomats at the Zambia Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies.
He said diplomats needed to understand and appreciate Zambia’s arts and culture so they could effectively promote the country’s creative sector in their engagements with other countries.
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