Produce entrepreneurs, PS prods universities
By Tony Nkhoma
ZAMBIA must shift to creating policies that support creative entrepreneurs, Ministry of Education permanent secretary Dr Kelvin Mambwe has said.
Dr Mambwe said not only should Zambia support creative entrepreneurs but also strengthen intellectual property rights and establish platforms for local and international collaborations.
He said the creative sector was no longer just a platform for artistic expression but a major economic driver, contributing to employment, cultural preservation and national branding.
“I therefore urge the private sector, international partners and all stakeholders present here today to continue working together with the government in supporting creative education and providing opportunities for our young talent to thrive both locally and globally,” Dr Mambwe said.
He was speaking at the Open Window University (OWU) 2025 graduation ceremony in Lusaka, which was the first for 2025.
Dr Mambwe said Zambia should emulate other world countries who had demonstrated that investing in the creative industries led to economic transformation.
The first ever Open Window University graduation ceremony for 15 graduates in Creative Arts, Creative writing, Film, Journalism and Media was held under the theme ‘The art of imagination and possibility: Shaping a creative future’.
Dr Mambwe said the graduation theme was timely and aligns perfectly with Zambia’s vision for the orange economy.
He said government would continue to prioritise the creative arts as a fundamental area of study, recognising its immense potential to drive economic diversification and job creation.
“Through the new curriculum, we are equipping young Zambians with the necessary skills to thrive in industries such as music, film, fashion, digital media, design and the broader creative economy. These sectors have become key contributors to global economies and Zambia must harness its vast creative potential to compete on the international stage,” Dr Mambwe said.
Open Window University vice chancellor Professor George Angelopulo reaffirmed the university’s commitment to promoting education, creativity and innovation.
Angelopulo said the future of Zambia’s economy is not only in traditional industries, but also in the hands of creative minds like the ones graduating as demonstrated in the past four year of its existence.
“The historic occasion marking the first-ever graduation of Open Window University since its inception four years ago is not only a day of celebration but also a defining moment in the journey of this institution and the creative industries in Zambia. We remain dedicated to the advancement of the creative arts,” he said.
Prof Angelopulo urged the graduates to step into the world as artists, digital designers, film makers, storytellers, media professionals and innovators who will shape the cultural and creative landscape of Zambia and beyond.
“You have proven that creativity is not just about beauty or the image – it is about telling stories, interpreting and influencing culture, provoking thought and driving change. As Zambia’s first graduating class in the specialised fields that you’ve studied at OWU, you have a unique role to play in Zambia’s development,” he said.
Prof Angelopulo said the creative industry is a powerful force, one that shaped identities, drives economies and fostered innovation.
