YOUR NEXT BIG OPPORTUNITY IS NOT JUST ANOTHER FILM, IT IS BUILDING THE BUSINESS THAT MAKES THE FILM POSSIBLE
CEEC OPENS A K50,000 MICROFINANCE WINDOW FOR MEDIA AND CREATIVE ENTERPRISES
There is an opportunity sitting in front of Zambian artists and creative entrepreneurs that deserves serious attention.
The Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission, CEEC, has announced a sector specific Microfinance Cosmetology Loan Product, which, according to the call for applications, also covers the Media and Creative Arts value chain. The product provides financing of up to K50,000, with a maximum tenure of 12 months and an interest rate of 12 percent per annum. The application deadline is 31 October 2026.
This is important because sometimes the biggest challenge facing a creative is not talent.
It is capital.
And if we are serious about building Zambia's film and creative industry into a sustainable economic sector, then we must begin treating our creative work for what it is:
A business.
FILM IS A BUSINESS
We often talk about wanting to make films, television programmes, documentaries, music videos and other creative products.
But every one of these products requires a functioning business ecosystem.
A film needs cameras.
It needs lighting.
It needs sound equipment.
It needs transport.
It needs locations.
It needs costumes.
It needs makeup.
It needs set construction.
It needs editing.
It needs graphics.
It needs catering.
It needs marketing.
It needs distribution.
It needs insurance and other professional services.
Behind every successful creative production is therefore an entire supply chain of businesses and professionals.
This is where Zambian creatives need to start thinking differently.
You do not necessarily have to own the entire film production company.
You can position yourself somewhere within the creative value chain and build a business around the service or product you can consistently provide.
DON'T JUST LOOK FOR MONEY TO MAKE A FILM
One of the biggest mistakes we can make as creatives is to think about financing only when we have a film we want to produce.
Instead, we should be asking:
What business can I build that will allow me to participate in the film industry and generate income?
Perhaps you are a cinematographer.
Could financing help you acquire additional equipment that you can rent to productions?
Perhaps you are a makeup artist.
Could you establish a professional makeup business that services film productions, television, weddings, advertising and events?
Perhaps you are a costume designer.
Could you build a costume rental business?
Perhaps you are an editor.
Could you establish an editing facility?
Perhaps you are a photographer.
Could you invest in equipment and build a commercial photography business that also services productions?
Perhaps you are a sound engineer.
Could you build a sound recording and production service?
Perhaps you are a producer.
Could you establish a production company with the equipment, systems and working capital necessary to undertake commercial productions?
This is the thinking we need.
RECAPITALISE YOURSELF
For many creatives, the next step is not simply finding funding for a project.
It is recapitalising the business.
If you already have a creative business, this opportunity could potentially help you strengthen the tools, equipment, stock or working capital required to participate more effectively in the market, subject to CEEC's eligibility and assessment requirements.
The CEEC call specifically says the sector specific product is intended to consolidate interventions in the media and creative industries and enhance capacity for comprehensive value chain development.
That phrase, value chain development, is extremely important.
Because the film industry is not made up of filmmakers alone.
THE FILM INDUSTRY NEEDS AN ENTIRE ECOSYSTEM
Imagine a production of a major Zambian film.
Before the first scene is filmed, somebody has to provide transport.
Somebody supplies accommodation.
Somebody provides catering.
Somebody provides costumes.
Somebody provides makeup.
Somebody provides equipment.
Somebody provides locations.
Somebody provides security.
Somebody provides electricity and generators.
Somebody handles set construction.
Somebody provides props.
Somebody handles post production.
Somebody designs the posters.
Somebody produces the trailer.
Somebody manages publicity.
Somebody distributes the film.
Every one of those activities can become a business.
This is why artists should not only ask, "How do I get funding to make my film?"
Ask:
"Where can I position myself within the film supply chain so that I can build a sustainable business?"
K50,000 CAN BE A STARTING POINT
The CEEC opportunity provides a loan threshold of up to K50,000 for the advertised product. The call identifies eligible locations as Livingstone, Choma, Chipata, Mongu, Kabwe, Mansa, Chingola, Kitwe, Ndola and Solwezi.
For a creative entrepreneur, K50,000 may not finance an entire feature film.
But that is not necessarily the point.
It could help establish or strengthen the business behind the creative work.
A producer could invest in production assets.
An editor could strengthen a post production facility.
A creative entrepreneur could establish a service business.
An existing enterprise could acquire equipment or working capital.
The objective should be to create something that can generate revenue and repay the financing, while positioning the business within the broader creative economy.
WE NEED TO STOP WAITING FOR THE FILM FUND
Zambia's creative sector continues to advocate for stronger and more dedicated creative financing mechanisms.
That advocacy must continue.
But while we wait for larger industry financing structures to develop, we should also take advantage of opportunities that already exist within government empowerment programmes and financial institutions.
The creative industry cannot afford to sit outside the economic empowerment conversation simply because our preferred financing model has not yet been established.
We must enter the conversation with the opportunities available now.
BUILD THE BUSINESS THAT FUNDS YOUR FILM
This is perhaps the most important message.
If you are a filmmaker, don't only build a film.
Build a production company.
If you are a cinematographer, don't only own a camera.
Build an equipment and production service business.
If you are an editor, don't only edit projects.
Build a post production business.
If you are a makeup artist, don't only wait for productions.
Build a professional makeup enterprise.
If you are a costume designer, don't only create costumes.
Build a costume supply and rental business.
The creative industry needs entrepreneurs who can generate income from the ecosystem.
Because when the business becomes profitable, it can begin to finance your creative ambitions.
The business can fund the film.
ZAMBIAN CREATIVES, THIS IS YOUR CALL TO ACTION
Do not look at this announcement simply as another government funding advertisement.
Look at it as an invitation to rethink your position in the creative economy.
Look at your skills.
Look at your equipment.
Look at your existing business.
Look at the services you provide.
Look at the gaps in the film and media supply chain.
Then ask yourself:
What business can I build?
The CEEC has indicated that applications for the advertised 2026 empowerment loan product should be submitted online through its designated platform, and that incomplete or incorrectly submitted applications will not be considered. Applicants should therefore carefully study the official requirements before applying.
The deadline given in the call is 31 October 2026.
This is an opportunity to recapitalise. This is an opportunity to build. This is an opportunity to position yourself within the creative value chain.
And most importantly, this is an opportunity to stop thinking of yourself only as an artist looking for the next project.
Start thinking like a creative entrepreneur building the business that will make the next project possible.
Morgan MbuloPresident, National Association of Media Arts, NAMAMedia Consultant
NAMA 2026 ©
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