NAMA LAUNCHES NATIONAL DRIVE FOR CREATIVE EXCELLENCE AND INDUSTRY EMPOWERMENT

By NAMA Media Team

The National Association of Media Arts, NAMA, has embarked on an ambitious nationwide campaign aimed at strengthening Zambia’s creative sector through resource mobilization and large scale capacity building ahead of the 2026 National Academy Media Awards, NAMA Awards.

In what has been described as a strategic and transformative move, NAMA is actively engaging the corporate world, government institutions, and development partners to support what it calls an enormous campaign designed not only to successfully host the awards, but to significantly expand participation and elevate industry standards across the country.

Speaking during a crucial stakeholder engagement meeting, NAMA President Morgan Mbulo emphasized that the initiative goes beyond awarding excellence, it is about building it.

“We are not just preparing for an awards ceremony,” he said. “We are cultivating talent. We already have creatives submitting work, but we want to widen that base by investing in skills development and ensuring that every province has the capacity to participate meaningfully.”

Capacity Building Across All Provinces

Central to this initiative is the rollout of capacity building workshops across all ten provinces of Zambia, targeting filmmakers, content creators, photographers, broadcasters, and other media practitioners. These workshops will focus on various creative disciplines, equipping participants with both technical skills and industry knowledge.

The goal is to ensure a broader and more competitive pool of entries for the NAMA Awards, while also empowering creatives at the grassroots level.

NAMA has already made significant progress in establishing its national structures, with strong representation at provincial level and ongoing efforts to fully operationalize district level structures.

“I’m glad that we have successfully established our structures across the provinces,” Mr. Mbulo noted. “What remains is strengthening our presence at district level, and in many areas, we are already on the ground. This gives us the foundation to roll out impactful programs that reach creatives where they are.”

Grassroots Approach to Industry Growth

Unlike traditional top down initiatives, NAMA’s approach begins at the grassroots. By targeting districts and local communities, the association aims to unlock hidden talent and ensure inclusive participation in the creative economy.

This decentralized model is expected to democratize access to opportunities in the media arts sector, allowing creatives from all regions to contribute and benefit.

Resource Mobilization Strategy

To support this expansive vision, NAMA has launched a robust resource mobilization campaign, seeking partnerships with corporate entities, government bodies, and international organizations.

The association is positioning the NAMA Awards as not just an event, but a national development platform for the creative industry, with potential to drive economic growth, youth empowerment, and cultural expression.

“We are calling on stakeholders in the corporate world, governance, and development space to come on board and support this noble cause,” said Mr. Mbulo. “This is an opportunity to invest in Zambia’s creative future.”

Building Toward a Bigger Awards Platform

The capacity building initiative is also strategically aligned with increasing the scale and quality of the NAMA Awards. By nurturing talent across the country, NAMA aims to see greater diversity, higher standards, and increased participation in the upcoming awards cycle.

The long term vision is to position Zambia as a competitive player in the regional and global creative industries, while ensuring that local creatives are equipped to tell their stories effectively.

A Call to Action

As preparations gain momentum, NAMA is urging all stakeholders to actively participate in this transformative journey.

“This is a collective effort,” Mr. Mbulo emphasized. “With the right support and collaboration, we can build a creative industry that is inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive.”

With structures in place and a clear roadmap ahead, NAMA’s initiative signals a new chapter for Zambia’s media arts sector, one that prioritizes both excellence and empowerment.