By Burnett Munthali

Prominent businessperson and philanthropist, Charles Zimba, has called on Malawi’s youth to view arts and culture as viable business opportunities. Speaking on the sidelines of the Mbumba Arts and Culture Festival held at Mzuzu Stadium today, Zimba, who serves as CEO of SICO Holdings, emphasized the importance of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset within the creative sector.

“Our youths need to see the importance of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, particularly in the fields of arts and culture. When they engage with the arts as a business, they learn how to turn passion into profit,” Zimba said. He noted that this approach not only nurtures creativity but also equips young people with practical skills that can be applied across various industries.

As the global creative economy continues to grow, Zimba stressed that Malawian youth should embrace the arts as a pathway to entrepreneurship. “By viewing culture and the arts through an entrepreneurial lens, today’s youth can become tomorrow’s innovators, ensuring that both their creativity and the cultural richness of their communities thrive,” he added.

The Mbumba Arts and Culture Festival attracted a large audience, primarily from the northern region, and featured traditional dances, local cuisine, and performances by popular musicians, including Henry Czar and Elli Njuchi. The event provided a platform to celebrate Malawian heritage while also exploring the economic potential of the creative arts.

Hazwell Zimba, Managing Director of Pluglinks, highlighted the festival’s aim to inspire young people to see arts and culture as more than just entertainment. “We want to inspire the youth to recognize the economic potential of the creative sector,” he said.

The festival’s success is a testament to the growing interest in harnessing the power of culture and creativity for economic development. With leaders like Charles Zimba advocating for entrepreneurship within the arts, there is growing optimism that Malawi’s youth will seize opportunities in the creative economy, transforming their passions into sustainable businesses.