University of arts, motion picture production: Strategic pathway for Zambia’s creative economy

By Pumulo Mumbuna

Hey there, creative minds and culture lovers!

Let’s talk about something exciting. Something that could change the game for Zambian artists, filmmakers, and storytellers forever.

Creativity is one of the most powerful engines of growth and cultural influence. Think about it. Nations that have invested in creative industries, film, music, theatre, and digital media, have turned artistic talent into billion-dollar sectors. These industries create jobs, put countries on the global map, and even help with diplomacy.

So here’s my question: Why not Zambia?

A Dream Worth Pursuing

For Zambia, the time has come to recognize the immense economic and cultural potential hiding in plain sight within our creative community. One of the most transformative steps the Government of Zambia could take is the establishment of a national university dedicated exclusively to the arts, specializing in acting, film, theatre, and motion picture production.

Yes, you heard that right. A whole university just for the arts.

Such an institution would nurture artistic talent, professionalize the country’s creative sector, and position Zambia as a regional hub for film and performing arts. Imagine this university operating under the leadership of the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Arts. It could be the cornerstone of Zambia’s emerging creative economy.

What the Rest of the World Teaches Us

Across the world, creative industries have proven to be powerful economic drivers. Film, music, theatre, and visual arts collectively generate billions of dollars annually while providing employment to millions.

Take Hollywood. It has transformed filmmaking into a massive ecosystem involving actors, directors, technicians, writers, producers, and marketers. Then there’s Nigeria’s Nollywood, one of the largest film industries in the world, producing thousands of movies each year and generating billions for the national economy.

So why can’t Zambia be next?

Filling a Big Gap in Our Education System

Let’s be honest. Most universities in Zambia focus primarily on academic disciplines such as business, engineering, law, and medicine. Important fields, yes. But the absence of a dedicated institution focused on performing arts and cinematic production creates a significant gap in the country’s educational landscape.

A national university of arts and motion picture production would change that. It would offer structured programmes in areas like:

• Acting and theatre performance

• Film directing and screenwriting

• Cinematography and film editing

• Music composition and production

• Costume design and stagecraft

• Animation and digital media production

Students would receive professional training using modern equipment, industry-standard studios, and practical production environments. This would transform Zambia’s creative sector from an informal artistic community into a structured, competitive, and dynamic industry.

Show Me the Money

The film industry is not only about storytelling. It is also a major economic engine. Every production involves dozens of professionals, actors, scriptwriters, directors, editors, lighting technicians, sound engineers, costume designers, and marketing teams.

If Zambia develops a strong domestic film industry, it could generate substantial revenue through cinema ticket sales, television licensing, streaming platforms, international distribution, and tourism linked to film locations.

Look at Nigeria’s Nollywood again. It contributes billions to the national economy and provides employment for millions. Zambia has its own cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and rich storytelling traditions. Iconic attractions such as Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River could attract international productions. All we need are the skilled filmmakers to make it happen.

Giving Artistic Talent a Real Chance

Here’s something personal. One of the major challenges faced by talented young people in Zambia is the rigid structure of academic education. Students who excel in artistic disciplines, acting, music, dance, and storytelling, are often pressured to pursue conventional programmes that don’t match their natural abilities.

This leads to two sad outcomes. First, it suppresses creative talent that could otherwise flourish. Second, it produces graduates who may not be passionate about their chosen professions.

A national arts university would change that. It would give artistic students a place to belong, to grow, and to shine.

Keeping Our Culture Alive

A national arts university would also play an important role in preserving and promoting Zambia’s cultural heritage. Through theatre, music, and film, students could explore traditional stories, languages, and cultural practices.

Imagine cultural ceremonies such as the Kuomboka being documented and dramatised through cinematic productions. That would preserve them for future generations while sharing them with global audiences. This approach would strengthen Zambia’s cultural identity while promoting tourism and international cultural exchange.

Building a Creative Economy

A thriving creative industry creates employment across multiple sectors. Graduates from an arts university could establish film studios, music production houses, theatre companies, and digital media businesses.

These enterprises would not only provide jobs for artists but also support industries such as tourism, marketing and advertising, event management, fashion and costume design, and digital content production. By investing in artistic education, Zambia could unlock a powerful ecosystem of creative entrepreneurship.

Putting Zambia on the World Stage

Countries often project their cultural identity through film, music, and performing arts. These industries shape how the world perceives a nation. If Zambia develops a strong film and performing arts sector, it can share its stories, traditions, and perspectives with global audiences.

A national arts university would serve as the intellectual and creative foundation for this cultural diplomacy. Graduates trained in acting, directing, and film production could represent Zambia at international film festivals, theatre events, and cultural exhibitions.

Final Thoughts

So here’s my bottom line. The establishment of a University of Arts and Motion Picture Production is not a luxury. It is a strategic necessity for Zambia’s economic diversification and cultural growth.

By investing in creative education, Zambia can transform its artistic talent into sustainable livelihoods, preserve its rich heritage, and claim its place on the global creative map.

The time to act is now. Let’s dream big. Let’s build.

The author is an International Business Consultant.

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