LUSAKA, Zambia — Munali Member of Parliament Thomas Sipalo has called for content creation to be recognised as a viable full-time profession, arguing that creators should earn a living from their talents, time and financial investment. Sipalo, a United Party for National Development (UPND) lawmaker and retired artiste, says content creation should no longer be […]

LUSAKA, Zambia — Munali Member of Parliament Thomas Sipalo has called for content creation to be recognised as a viable full-time profession, arguing that creators should earn a living from their talents, time and financial investment.

Sipalo, a United Party for National Development (UPND) lawmaker and retired artiste, says content creation should no longer be treated as a pastime or hobby, but as an economic activity capable of creating opportunities and supporting livelihoods in Zambia’s arts and creative industries.

In a statement shared on social media, Sipalo emphasised that producing content requires considerable resources and time, making it necessary for creators to benefit financially from their work.

“Content creation is both expensive and time-consuming,” Sipalo stated, stressing that creators need to start earning a living from their God-given talents and efforts.

The Munali legislator said he remained committed to advocating for better opportunities for the arts industry despite having retired from active artistic work.

Sipalo further indicated that he intends to raise the issue on the floor of Parliament, signalling his desire to bring the question of content monetisation into legislative discussions.

“Soon I shall push it on the floor of Parliament,” he said.

The lawmaker also linked his call to the government’s Grow Zambia Agenda, arguing that the country’s development ambitions should recognise the economic value of arts and content creation.

According to Sipalo, the agenda should support the recognition of content creation as a full-time job, allowing creators to earn from their work rather than relying solely on personal resources or treating their activities as unpaid pursuits.

Why Content Monetisation Matters to Zambia’s Creative Industry
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Content creation has become an important part of the modern digital economy, with individuals producing videos, photography, music, entertainment, educational material and other forms of online content for audiences across different platforms.

However, producing professional content can involve costs such as equipment, internet access, transport, editing software, production facilities and the time required to research, film and publish material.

For many creators, building an audience does not automatically translate into a reliable income. Monetisation opportunities, sponsorships, advertising, subscriptions and paid partnerships can help turn creative work into a source of livelihood, although access to these opportunities varies across platforms and markets.

Sipalo’s remarks bring attention to the need for discussions about how Zambia can strengthen the business side of its creative industries and enable local talent to participate more effectively in the digital economy.

His call also raises questions about the support systems available to creators, including access to training, financing, reliable digital infrastructure, intellectual property protection and viable routes to monetising original work.

Sipalo Wants Arts to Be Recognised Under the Grow Zambia Agenda

By pledging to raise the matter in Parliament, Sipalo has indicated that he wants content creation and the wider arts industry to receive greater recognition in discussions about national development.

His proposal centres on the idea that creative talent can contribute not only to entertainment and cultural expression, but also to employment, entrepreneurship and economic activity.

If taken forward, the issue could prompt further debate about the policies and practical measures needed to help artists, digital publishers, photographers, videographers and other creators generate sustainable income from their work.

However, Sipalo’s statement does not set out specific legislative proposals, funding commitments or a timeline for possible changes. Further details would be needed to establish what measures he intends to pursue in Parliament.

For now, the Munali MP has made his position clear: content creation should be treated as meaningful work with economic value, rather than simply a hobby.

His call places the livelihoods of Zambia’s creators at the centre of a broader conversation about recognising the arts and creative industries as part of the country’s development ambitions.
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