The Ministry of Sports, Youth and Culture, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Standard Bank plc, has launched the Malawi Creative Economy and Investment Forum 2026. This initiative aims to address the challenges faced by the country's creative industry. The forum seeks to identify practical solutions to these challenges and reposition the creative economy for investment and business development. The unveiling ceremony took place in Lilongwe on Friday.
According to the Ministry's Principal Secretary, Jameson Ndalama, some of the challenges affecting the industry include inadequate access to finance, limited business skills, technology, and intellectual property protection. These issues hinder the growth and development of the creative sector in Malawi. The forum is expected to bring together stakeholders to discuss and find solutions to these problems. This will enable artists to access finance and develop their skills.
UNDP deputy resident representative, Chika Charles Aniekwe, emphasized that Malawi has abundant creative talent. He stated that the priority should be to turn this potential into sustainable businesses and economic opportunities. Aniekwe highlighted the importance of strengthening skills, protecting intellectual property, and expanding markets to reposition Malawi's creative economy. This will enable the sector to contribute significantly to the country's economic growth.
Standard Bank's chief finance and value management officer, John Mhone, announced that the bank has injected K300 million towards the forum. He expressed the bank's commitment to supporting young people in uncovering opportunities in the creative industry. Mhone stated that the bank wants to be part of the journey of young people creating opportunities for themselves through the arts. This partnership demonstrates the bank's confidence in the potential of Malawi's creative sector.
The Fashion Association of Malawi's deputy president, Xandria, welcomed the intervention, saying it will provide an opportunity for artists to push for solutions to challenges affecting the creative industry. She emphasized that this initiative will enable artists to access finance, develop their skills, and protect their intellectual property. Xandria expressed optimism that the forum will lead to positive changes in the creative sector.
The Malawi Creative Economy and Investment Forum 2026 is expected to bring together stakeholders from the creative industry, government, and private sector. The forum will provide a platform for artists to showcase their work, network, and access business opportunities. It will also enable policymakers to develop strategies that support the growth and development of the creative sector. This initiative is a significant step towards promoting Malawi's creative economy.
The partnership between the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Culture, UNDP, and Standard Bank demonstrates a commitment to supporting the creative industry in Malawi. The forum is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economic growth and development. Key stakeholders are optimistic that this initiative will unlock opportunities for artists and contribute to the country's economic growth.
Key points
- The Malawi Creative Economy and Investment Forum 2026 aims to address challenges faced by the country's creative industry.
- The forum seeks to identify practical solutions to challenges such as inadequate access to finance and limited business skills.
- The initiative has received support from stakeholders, including Standard Bank, which has injected K300 million towards the forum.
