Creative Economy Week Zimbabwe will be returning for its third edition in March, and it's set to be its most expansive edition yet. Running from 2 - 7 March, the 2026 edition of the event will be under the theme "Inclusive Growth Through Collaboration" - "Kuvaka Pamwe, Ukukhula Okuhlanganisayo."
A theme highlighting the importance of diverse and inclusive ecosystems in strengthening networks and building resilient creative and cultural sectors enabling collaboration, long-term impact, mutual benefit, and greater international understanding.
For those who don't know, the Creative Economy Week (CEW) is a series of curated events by the British Council and partners, within the Creative Economy programme. Creative Economy Weeks are part of the skills development, showcasing and market access pillar, of the Africa Creative Economy programme framework. The week can also spotlight impactful and innovative projects across the creative and cultural industry ecosystem such as creative technology, new art, heritage etc.
Creative Economy Week Zimbabwe 2026 will host events across 4 cities: Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo and Victoria Falls, with events ranging from workshops, music concerts, to fashion shows, podcast recordings and skate days.
It will feature influential figures in the creative industry from Zimbabwe and across the continent, including Mavin Records, Rwanda's Ministry of Youth & Arts, Downtown Music Publishing Africa, Ditto Music, Reprezent UK, British Council, Alliance Française and more.
The Creative Economy Week Gallery, interactive screens and listening stations featuring portfolios of British Council alumni and grant recipients, will be open to the public all week in Harare. As will be the SoCreative Lounge an "old school" recreational installation that serves as a low-pressure icebreaker for attendees. A dedicated area with comfortable lounge style seating to allow participants to network between sessions.
Below we spotlight some of the events to lookout for during the week:
Harare
Venues: British Council, The Venue
Monday 2 March
14:00 - 15:00 - SoCreative Live Podcast
A conversation with Airborne Masangomai on Entrepreneurship Through Digital Storytelling, hosted by Tariro Negitare and Paul Akrofie
15:30 - 17:00 - Grant in Arts Roundtable
Panel discussion with British Council, US Embassy, Alliance Francaise, Embassy of Swistzerland, Zimbabwe German Society , Culture Fund, UNESCO, Old Mutual
Wednesday 4 March
14:00 - 16:00 - Waste To Fabric
This masterclass, led by Jo Salter explores the revolutionary shift from linear "take-make-waste" production to a circular "waste-as-resource" model.
16:30 - 17:30 - Rise Film Screening
A screening of the multi award winning short film Rise, the first Zimbabwean film to be showcased at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Thursday 5 March
10:00 - 13:00 - Music Publishing
Deep dive into monetising your music and collecting royalties through publishing and sync.
10:00 - 11:30 - The Individual Pivot: Portfolio Creative
A deep dive into sustainable careers
through evolution; from acting/music/visual arts to digital filmmaking and design. Exploring how traditional sculptural forms intersect with modern storytelling.
11:30 - 13:00 - Threads of Heritage: Fashion as Film & Story
Panel discussion on cultural preservation with Eglet Mtengwa Nyabvure (Pfeka), Melissa Marimo (Pfeka), Ruby Cheryl Chinyawu (Ruby’s Touch), Rutendo Mutsamwira, and moderated bu Winnie Rugamba (Rwanda).
12:00 - 13:00 - SoCreative Podcast
A discussion on insights and trends in the creative economy with Permanent Secretary Mr Nicholas Moyo (Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Zimbabwe) and Mrs. Alice Kamasoni (Ministry of Youth and Arts, Rwanda), hosted by Tariro Chaniwa and Paul Akrofie (GH).
Friday 6 March
09:00 - 10:00 - Limitless Africa Podcast
How Hip Hop Can Build an Empire with Butholezwe K Nyathi featuring American Hip Hop Artist and audience interaction.
12:00 - 13:30 - Music Industry Conversations
14:00 - 15:30 - Music with Gemma
Zimbabwean pop star Gemma Griffiths talks on how she has broken industry barriers and built a sustainable multi-discipline creative enterprise spanning music, food and more.
Saturday 7 March
13:00 - 17:00 - Creative DNA Showcase
This is the definitive visual culmination of the program. Moving beyond a traditional fashion show, this session is a curated runway experience in three distinct segments, showcasing the growth, technical evolution, and narrative depth of the Creative DNA Seed Awardees featuring a Rwandan Collective of Designers.
17:00 - 20:30 - Creative Economy Week Closing Event
Bulawayo
Venues: National Gallery, Alliance Française, Amakhosi Theatre, Amagugu Centre in Matobo
Wednesday 4 March
09:00 - 15:00 - Magitare Confluence at Creative Economy Week
Half day conference with influential figures such as His Worship the Mayor Cllr David Coltart, Tino Kambasha, Chief Dakamela, Sibo Muteyiwa, Saimon Mambazo Phiri, Silenkosi Moyo
17:00 - 20:00 - Theatre, Poetry & Music Showcase
Theatre performance by Lady Tshawe and performance by NOBUNTU
Friday 6 March
15:00 - 17:00 - The Zambezi Experience: Poetry & Culture
Saturday 7 March
09:00 - 19:00 - Anime Day
11:00 - 16:00 - Screening of Traditional Food Documentary, Food Discussions and Tasting
14:00 - 15:00 - Exploring The Antagonists of Anime
Masvingo
Venues: Courtauld Theatre
Friday 6 March
19:00 - 22:00 - Roots and Rhythms
An acoustic night showcase with music, poetry and City: dance
Victoria Falls
Venues: Mosi O Tunya Skatepark
Saturday 7 March
10:00 - 15:00 - Skateboard Saturday
The full Creative Economy Week Zimbabwe 2026 Calendar can be accessed here.
Please note that while some events are open to the public others require you to register to attend. You can register here.