Global Doors Open: Social Currency Proposes Landmark Partnership to Fuel NAMA's Creative Economy Vision

Published by M'faweli | April 2026

Zambia's creative industries are standing at a threshold. The Africa Creative Market is bringing its flagship event to Lusaka in 2026. The diaspora is watching. And now, a new strategic partnership proposal promises to connect NAMA — the National Association of Media Arts — directly to global sponsors, celebrity networks, and investment dollars.

Chansa Kalunga, a Canadian-Zambian entrepreneur and founder of Social Currency, has formally proposed a partnership designed to expand NAMA's reach into international markets, deepen its brand presence among the African diaspora, and materially grow the resources available to advance its mandate.

"NAMA is operating at a genuinely pivotal moment for Zambia's creative economy. The right partnerships, structured with intention, can dramatically accelerate what they are building."

— Chansa Kalunga

Who Is Behind the Proposal?

Chansa Kalunga is not new to bridging worlds. He is the Managing Director of ANF Capital Zambia, founder of Social Currency, and Global Director of Partnerships for Kafue Celtic Football Club. His career spans nearly two decades across Zambia and Canada, sitting at the intersection of culture, commerce, and technology.

His Zambia roots run deep: Kalunga previously served as agency lead for multinationals including Lafarge, Madison Insurance, and Yum! Brands — where he was part of the team that launched KFC in Zambia.

His global network is extensive: Based in Toronto — one of the world's most significant hubs for urban music and multicultural media — Kalunga has cultivated relationships across North America and Europe, including participation in the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and connections with artists, executives, and investors.

His ventures are relevant: He co-founded Seen, a live event intelligence platform, and is currently developing technology ventures across the creator economy and edtech space — all of which intersect with the creative industries NAMA champions.

What Social Currency Brings to NAMA

Social Currency describes itself as "not a traditional agency." It is a platform built on the premise that durable commercial outcomes emerge from creative credibility and strategic relationships.

The proposed partnership offers three distinct contributions:

1. Global Sponsor Development

Through networks in Canada, the United Kingdom, and across the African diaspora, Social Currency is positioned to open doors to corporate sponsors, brand partners, and institutional funders that NAMA's current footprint may not readily reach. These are relationships built over years, not lists.

2. Diaspora & Celebrity Network Activation

The Zambian and broader African diaspora in North America represents an underutilized channel for both sponsorship and profile elevation. Social Currency's positioning within that community — and its relationships with entertainment figures across the continent and internationally — creates the ability to amplify NAMA's reach in authentic and commercially meaningful ways.

3. Creative Economy Ecosystem Integration

Social Currency's active portfolio of ventures — spanning content, edtech, sports media, and creator economy infrastructure — gives NAMA a natural set of complementary partners, all of whom have a genuine stake in the growth of Zambia's creative sector.

The Proposed Engagement Structure

Kalunga proposes that NAMA formally designate Social Currency as a Strategic Partnerships Representative, empowered to identify, approach, and facilitate sponsor and partner relationships on NAMA's behalf in both local and international markets.

The commercial structure is performance-based:

• Social Currency would earn a commission on funds raised through introductions and engagements they initiate and close.

• The specific percentage would be negotiated in good faith.

• There is no retainer requirement on NAMA's side — upside is tied directly to value delivered.

In addition, Kalunga has requested a formal letter of authorization from NAMA, confirming Social Currency's mandate to represent the organization. This gives potential sponsors and partners the institutional confidence they need to engage seriously.

Why This Matters Right Now

The Africa Creative Market's decision to host its 2026 flagship event in Lusaka is not a small thing. It is a signal to the continent — and to the world — that Zambia's creative sector has arrived as a credible, investment-worthy ecosystem.

NAMA is uniquely positioned to be the institutional backbone of that moment. But the window to fully capitalize on it is not unlimited.

"I am ready to move quickly. The combination of NAMA's mandate and Social Currency's network creates something genuinely powerful."

— Chansa Kalunga

What This Means for Zambian Creatives

If the partnership moves forward, the benefits could ripple across Zambia's creative economy:

Opportunity Potential Impact

International sponsors More funding for NAMA programs, events, and grants

Diaspora engagement Greater visibility for Zambian art, music, and media abroad

Celebrity partnerships High-profile ambassadors and collaborations

Ecosystem integration Connections to edtech, sports media, and creator economy platforms

Global credibility Stronger positioning for Zambia as a creative destination

For filmmakers, musicians, animators, writers, designers, and media artists, this represents a potential pipeline to resources and recognition that have traditionally been difficult to access.

What Happens Next?

The proposal has been submitted to M'faweli Tau Mwambo, Vice President of NAMA. Kalunga has requested a formal meeting to negotiate terms and finalize the engagement.

Social Currency and NAMA are now in discussion. The creative community watches with anticipation.

About Social Currency

Social Currency is a platform founded by Chansa Kalunga, dedicated to generating durable commercial outcomes at the intersection of creative credibility and strategic relationships. Based in Lusaka and Toronto, Social Currency specializes in global sponsor development, diaspora network activation, and creative economy ecosystem integration.

About NAMA

The National Association of Media Arts (NAMA) is Zambia's leading umbrella body for media arts practitioners, championing the growth, visibility, and sustainability of the country's creative industries.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

— Social Currency