The British Council in partnership with the Swiss Development Agency for Cooperation is hosting the second edition of the Creative Economy Week Zimbabwe, set to take place from 5 to 9 March 2025 in Harare and Bulawayo.
This year’s event, themed “Growth Re-imagined: Putting People and Their Creative Potential at the Centre of Sustainable Growth,” will focus on fostering innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity in the creative sector.
The initiative forms part of the British Council’s broader Creative Economy programme, which aims to strengthen cultural and creative industries across Africa.
The event will convene creatives, entrepreneurs, business leaders, policymakers, and cultural enthusiasts to explore opportunities for innovation, skills development, market access and economic growth in the sector.
Diverse Lineup of Events
This year’s edition will feature industry roundtable discussions, panel talks on intellectual property rights in the creative sector, and masterclasses on music distribution, marketing and contract negotiation.
Other key discussions will focus on Zimbabwean fashion, indigenous materials for sustainable design and global opportunities for local music artists.
Music and fashion showcases will highlight Zimbabwean and African talent, while think tanks will explore sustainable design solutions, ensuring a mix of insightful conversations and practical learning sessions.
Following significant engagement in 2024, this year’s programme aims to support diverse and inclusive creative ecosystems, particularly benefiting young creatives, women, and marginalised communities by providing access to education, funding, and market opportunities.
Key Events in Harare and Bulawayo
In Harare, the event will run from 5 to 10 March at The Venue in Avondale. Among the highlights is a Literature Publishing Roundtable hosted by author and poet Maggie Chideme in collaboration with The Lifeline Narrative and Business of Books. This session will explore Zimbabwe’s publishing landscape, innovative business models and technological advancements.
Additionally, experts from the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, and B Matanga Legal Practitioners will discuss key issues surrounding copyright protection and rights management.
Bulawayo will host sessions on 5 and 7 March at The Oasis Creators Hub. Organised by Magitare Africa Trust and led by musician Tariro “neGitare” Chaniwa, the Magitare Confluence will feature a keynote address from Dumisani Nkala, Managing Director of Telco Broadband and Beyond, followed by industry insights from creatives including Walter Wanyanya, Terrence Mugova, Carl Joshua Ncube, Mpi Ndebele, and Cleopatra Dube.
Creative Economy Week Registration and Participation
All events require prior online registration via the British Council Zimbabwe website.
A Week of Creative Engagement
With a strong emphasis on knowledge-sharing, networking, and collaboration, the Creative Economy Week Zimbabwe 2025 is expected to be a landmark event for the country’s creative sector.
By providing a platform for dialogue and skills exchange, the initiative aims to empower Zimbabwean creatives and drive sustainable growth in the industry.
Andrew Moyo is a veteran entertainment journalist with over a decade of experience. He has worked for some of the biggest publications in Zimbabwe including The Sunday Mail.
