A NEW CHAPTER FOR ZAMBIA'S CREATIVE INDUSTRY: NAMA WELCOMES THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND ARTS
A New Chapter for Zambia's Creative Industry as NAMA Welcomes the Appointment of a Minister With a Passion for Culture and Heritage
By Morgan Mbulo President, National Association of Media Arts (NAMA)28 October 2026
The National Association of Media Arts (NAMA) joins the rest of Zambia's creative and cultural community in congratulating Hon. Christopher Chibuye on his appointment as the
Minister of Culture and Arts.
This appointment comes at a historic moment when Zambia has established a standalone ministry dedicated to culture and the arts, something that creative practitioners and arts organisations have advocated for over many years.
For us in the creative industry, this is not simply another ministerial appointment. It represents the beginning of a new chapter, one that we hope will bring renewed attention to arts development, cultural preservation, film production, creative entrepreneurship and the economic potential of Zambia's creative industries.
As President of NAMA, I am particularly encouraged by the background and experience of our newly appointed Minister, especially his longstanding interest in cultural heritage and community development.
Who Is Hon. Christopher Chibuye?
Hon. Christopher Chibuye is a native of Mkushi in Central Province and a public administrator and politician with experience in district administration, provincial government and parliamentary representation.
According to an account provided to NAMA by our National Executive Committee member, Mr. Mpalasha Musonda, Hon. Chibuye's public service career includes serving as District Commissioner in Mkushi before becoming the first District Commissioner of Luano following the establishment of the district.
Mr. Musonda recalls that Hon. Chibuye played an important role in establishing administrative structures in Luano during its early development and helping bring recognition to the district.
Following his service in district administration, he was appointed Deputy Permanent Secretary for Luapula Province, further strengthening his experience in public administration and government operations.
He subsequently entered parliamentary politics, contesting elections in the Mkushi area and later Luano, where Mr. Musonda reports that he secured parliamentary representation in 2026.
His academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Development Studies, according to the information shared with us.
This combination of administrative experience, community leadership and political service provides a foundation for taking on the responsibility of establishing and developing a new government ministry.
A Minister With a Personal Passion for Culture and the Arts
Beyond his political and administrative experience, what makes Hon. Christopher Chibuye's appointment particularly interesting is his reported personal commitment to the promotion of culture, heritage and the arts.
Mr. Musonda describes him as someone who has consistently demonstrated an interest in cultural activities, traditional practices, local music and community heritage programmes.
He recalls the Honourable Minister's involvement in supporting cultural initiatives and promoting the preservation of traditional heritage over the years.
His interest has extended to the promotion of local music and cultural activities, including programmes that celebrate traditional foods, customs and community identity.
Mr. Musonda believes that this appreciation for culture comes naturally to Hon. Chibuye and is not merely associated with his new ministerial responsibilities.
He also identifies the Honourable Minister as an elder at the Pentecostal Holiness Church in Mkushi, where he has maintained ties with his community.
This background is encouraging because the Ministry of Culture and Arts requires leadership that appreciates the sector beyond its administrative structures.
Culture is not simply about traditional ceremonies or entertainment. It encompasses our identity, languages, storytelling, heritage, music, traditional foods, crafts, visual expression and the values passed from one generation to another.
These cultural resources also provide opportunities for filmmaking, documentation, education, tourism and creative entrepreneurship.
A minister who already appreciates the importance of these traditions has an opportunity to help connect cultural preservation with the development of modern creative industries.
The Account of Mr. Mpalasha Musonda
It is important to acknowledge the contribution of Mr. Mpalasha Musonda, a member of the NAMA National Executive Committee based in Mkushi, who provided us with this background on the newly appointed Minister.
Mr. Musonda has served in the teaching profession and has since qualified as a certified lawyer, bringing both an educational and legal background to his involvement in the Association.
Before his election to the NAMA National Executive Committee, he was actively involved in supporting and coordinating the Association's activities at grassroots level in Mkushi.
His longstanding connection to the area and familiarity with its community leadership have provided us with valuable insight into Hon. Chibuye's public service history and cultural interests.
Mr. Musonda, who also hails from Mkushi, describes the appointment as timely and believes that the President has selected someone whose personal interest in culture and heritage is well suited to the responsibilities of the new ministry.
He particularly emphasises that the creative and cultural sector requires leadership driven by genuine passion and an understanding of the importance of preserving Zambia's cultural identity.
As NAMA, we appreciate Mr. Musonda's contribution in helping us understand the background of the Honourable Minister as we prepare for future institutional engagement.
Why This Appointment Matters to the Creative Industry
For many years, Zambia's creative industry has operated under ministries responsible for several sectors, including Tourism and Arts and, more recently, Youth, Sport and Arts.
While we appreciate the support provided through those ministries, we have consistently advocated for a dedicated ministry capable of giving culture and the arts the attention, resources and policy direction they deserve.
The establishment of the Ministry of Culture and Arts is therefore a significant development.
The ministry's responsibilities include Film Policy, Cinematography Policy, Creative Arts Industries, Arts Policy, Theatres and Cinemas Policy, National Heritage, Traditional Ceremonies and Cultural Research.
These areas provide an opportunity to establish a coordinated framework for the development of Zambia's creative economy.
As NAMA, our longstanding priorities remain clear.
We want to see the establishment of a Zambia Film Commission that can coordinate film industry development, attract investment, facilitate local and international productions and help position Zambia as a competitive filmmaking destination.
We also want to see sustainable funding mechanisms for film and creative production, stronger implementation of film and arts policies, improved creative infrastructure and expanded opportunities for training and professional development.
Our theatres, cinemas, arts centres and cultural facilities require investment. Our filmmakers need access to financing, distribution opportunities and markets. Our artists need stronger systems for protecting their intellectual property and commercialising their work.
We also believe that Zambia's cultural heritage presents enormous opportunities for documentaries, historical productions, animation, television programming and cultural education.
The establishment of this ministry gives us an opportunity to bring these priorities together under dedicated institutional leadership.
Congratulations to Hon. Elvis Nkandu — You Remain Part of Our Journey
As we welcome our new Minister of Culture and Arts, I also wish to sincerely congratulate Hon. Elvis Nkandu on his appointment as Minister of Information and Media.
Hon. Nkandu has been part of our journey during his service at the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts.
We acknowledge the engagements, discussions and opportunities we had to present matters affecting the creative industry during his tenure.
Honourable Nkandu, we appreciate the working relationship established with your office and thank you for the engagements we shared.
Your appointment to the Ministry of Information and Media does not mean that you have moved away from the creative industry.
In fact, I believe you remain very much connected to us.
Film, television, broadcasting, digital content creation and media production are closely related. Many of the challenges affecting filmmakers and content producers involve access to broadcasters, local content opportunities, distribution and reaching audiences.
We therefore look forward to continued engagement with your ministry, particularly on matters involving broadcasting, television production, digital media and opportunities for Zambian content.
Honourable Nkandu, you have not moved far from us. We still consider you an important partner in the development of Zambia's creative industry.
Two Ministries, One Opportunity for Collaboration
The establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Culture and Arts, alongside the Ministry of Information and Media, creates an opportunity for stronger coordination in the development of the creative economy.
The Ministry of Culture and Arts can provide leadership on cultural development, film and arts policies, heritage preservation and creative infrastructure.
The Ministry of Information and Media remains an important partner in broadcasting, television and media development.
These portfolios complement each other.
A film or television production cannot achieve its full economic potential through production alone. It also needs access to audiences, broadcasters, cinemas, distribution networks and digital platforms.
We therefore look forward to opportunities for collaboration between the two ministries in promoting Zambian films, television productions, documentaries, animation and other forms of local content.
Looking Forward to Engaging Our New Minister
On behalf of NAMA, I wish to assure Hon. Christopher Chibuye of our readiness to work with his office in advancing the interests of the creative sector.
We look forward to formally engaging the Honourable Minister and presenting our proposals on the establishment of the Zambia Film Commission, sustainable film financing, industry capacity building and the development of a competitive film and television sector.
We also hope to contribute to discussions on the ministry's institutional development, stakeholder consultation processes and the implementation of policies that will benefit artists across all ten provinces.
Our intention is to build a constructive working relationship founded on professionalism, mutual respect and a shared commitment to the development of Zambia's creative economy.
At the same time, I encourage fellow creative practitioners to recognise that the establishment of a dedicated ministry brings greater responsibility on our part.
We must participate in consultations, read policy documents, make informed submissions and contribute practical solutions to the challenges affecting our industry.
We have advocated for this ministry for many years. We must now help shape its direction and ensure that it delivers meaningful opportunities for the people it has been established to serve.
A Historic Opportunity for Zambia
I wish to congratulate the Government of the Republic of Zambia for recognising the importance of establishing a standalone Ministry of Culture and Arts.
I also congratulate Hon. Christopher Chibuye and Hon. Elvis Nkandu on their appointments and wish them success in their respective portfolios.
To Hon. Christopher Chibuye, welcome to the creative family.
We are encouraged by the account of your public service experience and longstanding interest in cultural heritage, and we look forward to engaging you as we work towards developing a stronger, more sustainable creative industry.
To Hon. Elvis Nkandu, thank you for the engagements during your time with the arts sector. We look forward to continuing our professional relationship through your new responsibilities.
And to my fellow creatives across Zambia, I say this:
We have advocated for a ministry of our own. Now is the time to unite, participate and ensure that this historic opportunity translates into meaningful development for our industry.
Let this be the beginning of a new chapter for Zambia's creative economy, our cultural identity and future generations of artists.
Morgan Mbulo President National Association of Media Arts (NAMA)Zambia
28 October 2026
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