Minister of Youth, Sports and Arts, Elvis Nkandu has expressed confidence in the growth of the creative industry and its ability to contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) after touring MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy and Mpali Production Set in Lusaka.
Mr Nkandu said the creative industry currently contributes about 0.04 percent to the GDP and if more investment was done, there was potential that the sector would contribute a higher percentage to the overall socioeconomic wellbeing of the country.
“We appreciate the opportunities created by MTF and Mpali because they are helping a lot of young people with skills, opportunity and employment,” said Nkandu.
The minister said this when he toured the MTF Academy and Mpali production site in Lusaka, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Chama Fumba.
Speaking earlier, MTF Academy Director, Christopher Puta said MTF had equipped students with the right skills for industry. “We are happy with our students and graduates, some of them are working with NGOs, some have set up studios and are working on their own because of the skills they acquired, they basically leave this place industry ready,” he stated.
MultiChoice Zambia, Head of Corporate Affairs, Chilufya Mwelwa said MTF had made an impact over the years. “Zambia has managed to produce best-performing students in the past intakes, who were awarded opportunities to travel to Bollywood, Nollywood and Hollywood to learn more about filming and came back to apply the skills in Zambia.”
Speaking at the Mpali production site, Mpali Creator and Director Frank Sibbuku conveyed his appreciation to the government and MultiChoice for the good partnership which his team has enjoyed over the last 7 years the series has been on TV.
“We thank you for your support. There is a value chain to what we do, our production has created indirect and direct employment for local people. Most of the materials we use in our production are from Zambian businesses, and we have employed many people on this production,” said Sibbuku.
He further thanked the government for the support and visit, as it had motivated the team to continue working hard and creating the magic on TV.
Mpali which is currently in its 7th season airs Monday to Friday on Zambezi Magic Channel 162 on DStv and Channel 3 on GOtv.
