The creative sector has applauded President Hakainde Hichilema for including it in his address during the opening of the First Session of the Fourteenth National Assembly on Friday. National Arts Council Director, Maanka Chipindi, says Zambian creatives are willing to…

The creative sector has applauded President Hakainde Hichilema for including it in his address during the opening of the First Session of the Fourteenth National Assembly on Friday.

National Arts Council Director, Maanka Chipindi, says Zambian creatives are willing to contribute to the country’s growth agenda, expressing that the President’s remarks on the creative arts provide a framework for repositioning the sector.

The media in an interview in Lusaka today, Mr Chipindi said the President’s commitment to establishing a thriving creative economy and creating sustainable jobs would encourage the sector to continue its work.

He has since urged the creative industry across the country to formalise their businesses as soon as possible.

Ten Tamanga Street creator and Yoweli Filimu Founder, Joel Kapungwe, said it was encouraging and inspiring to hear President Hichilema address the arts.

Mr Kapungwe welcomed the creative industry’s recognition at the highest level of leadership and noted that the arts are about far more than entertainment.

He described the creative industry as a powerful expression of the country’s identity, a custodian of national stories and a source of employment.

Veteran Actor and Senior Citizen, Sweddy Mwanza, says a thriving creative industry creates jobs and generates revenue.

Mr Mwanza noted that the arts industry had been neglected for far too long, and emphasised the importance of the President’s remarks, describing them as a step in the right direction.