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Writes Sirak Gebrehiwot
On 24 April 2025 in Bulawayo, the National Gallery of Bulawayo was abuzz with innovation, dialogue, and vision as the Ministry of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services hosted the third edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Media Indaba.
Under the theme “Celebrating the Creative Economy for Industrial Growth,” the indaba brought together journalists, artists, media practitioners, partners, and academia in an engaging mélange of live podcasting, panel discussions, and addresses by the United Nations and the Ministry of Information. The Indaba highlighted the media’s vital role in shaping Zimbabwe’s development narrative.
Permanent Secretary, Mr. Nick Mangwana, opened the Indaba by celebrating the Ministry’s evolving relationship with media stakeholders, emphasizing a commitment to refining media policies and strategies to foster national interest and dialogue for sustainable development. One notable outcome of preceding indabas facilitated the development of an integrated national media policy, marking a significant high-water mark since 1980. Mr. Mangwana underscored these interactions as critical for informing policies and elevating media standards in Zimbabwe.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Edward Kallon, articulated the UN’s unwavering dedication to fostering media capacity in Zimbabwe. He delineated the symbiotic collaboration between the UN and the Zimbabwean Government, notably with Permanent Secretary Mangwana, in harnessing the media’s potential for inclusive national socio-economic and democratic progress. Mr. Kallon highlighted the media’s role in advancing Zimbabwe’s industrialization and the United Nations’ support in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Mr. Kallon detailed the UN’s multifaceted support, ranging from media reforms to capacity building, training, and the promotion of digital platforms. Legislative advancements, such as the Broadcasting Services Act and the Freedom of Information Act, signify strides made with UN support to empower media freedom and discourse.
Keynote addresses emphasized the media’s pivotal role in transforming Zimbabwe’s economic landscape.
The remarks advocated for recognizing the arts not just as cultural treasures but as dynamic economic engines capable of significantly boosting the Gross Domestic Product. By tapping into the immense potential of creative industries, Zimbabwe aspires to harness a portion of the global creative economy’s US$2 trillion influence.
Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Dr. J. Muswere, echoed these sentiments in his keynote address delivered by Deputy Minister Dr. O Marupi, advocating for digital literacy and AI enhancements. This positions Zimbabwe not just to participate but to lead in Africa’s creative and technological sectors.
The ZITF Media Indaba emerged as a crucible for fostering positive government-media dynamics, reminiscent of historical collaborations that bolstered national solidarity. The discussions stressed the need for media, the arts industry and government collaboration to foster nation-building narratives rather than disseminating externally sponsored and sensational agendas.
The indaba concluded with a fervent call for unity of purpose and action. The media is enjoined to amplify the voices of the underrepresented, engage with topics central to Zimbabwe’s progress, and ensure the dissemination of truthful, impactful reporting. As Zimbabwe journeys towards its development aspirations and global commitment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, these partnerships aim to forge a resilient, innovative, and inclusive society.
The Third Edition of the ZITF Media Indaba underscored an era of revitalized collaboration between the media and government, envisioning a Zimbabwean future brimming with creativity, inclusion, and economic prosperity.
By leveraging shared narratives and technological advancements, Zimbabwe positions itself as a beacon of progress amidst the tides of global change.
Sirak Gebrehiwot is the UN Partnerships and Development Finance Advisor at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office.
