Story by Patience Nyagato
ZIMBABWE’s creative sector takes centre stage this week as the third edition of Creative Economy Week opens, positioning the country’s artists and cultural entrepreneurs within a broader economic and industrial framework.
The week-long programme, curated by the British Council in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland in Zimbabwe and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, shifts focus from artistic production to market access, industry growth and cross-border collaboration.
Organisers say the initiative is designed not merely as a cultural showcase but as a structured platform to strengthen networks, commercialisation and sustainability within the sector.
British Council Arts Programme Manager, Chipo Kanyumbu, described the programme as an effort to bridge the gap between creative output and visibility.
“It is a series of curated events that we have put together as the British Council, together with the Embassy of Switzerland. It is a chance for creatives to come together, connect, create networks and collaborate. Usually, when we deliver our programmes, we focus on outputs. But sometimes we do not have platforms for those outputs to be showcased. Creative Economy Week is that platform,” she said.
This year’s edition expands beyond Harare, incorporating activities in Bulawayo, Masvingo and Victoria Falls, signalling a deliberate national footprint. Programming includes an Animation Day and industry dialogue in Bulawayo, a music showcase in Masvingo, and exhibitions, skateboarding and pop-up markets in Victoria Falls.
International participation underscores the programme’s broader ambition. Nigeria’s Mavin Records is taking part in a music camp aimed at fostering regional collaboration, while a South African publishing organisation is contributing to discussions on intellectual property management and revenue models.
In fashion, designers from the United Kingdom, India and Pakistan are convening around the theme “Farm to Fashion”, exploring sustainable production and ethical supply chains,{ areas increasingly shaping global creative industries.
Organisers point to measurable outcomes from previous editions. House of Stone, a delivery partner, recently secured recognition at the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA), highlighting the role of structured platforms in enhancing visibility and market traction.
Music alumni from the British Council’s Music Connects Africa programme, including emerging artist Melissa, are also featured, illustrating continuity between training, exposure and career development.
The Creative Economy Week unfolds at a time when Zimbabwe’s arts and cultural industries are gaining recognition as viable contributors to employment, innovation and export potential. From animation and music to fashion and skate culture, the programme reflects a policy shift that views creativity not solely as cultural expression, but as economic enterprise.
