Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
THE inaugural edition of the KUZANA Sport and Creative Economy Expo Zimbabwe (SCEEZ), which is set to kick off in Bulawayo today, represents an important step to position sport and the creative industries as key drivers of economic growth, a senior Government official has said.
The five-day expo, which runs until Sunday at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Grounds, will bring together Government, the private sector, sporting organisations, creatives, investors, development partners, academia and other stakeholders under the theme: “KUZANA: Towards Vision 2030 through Sport and Creative Industries.”
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Nicholas Moyo said preparations for the expo were on course, with organisers ready to host exhibitors, delegates and members of the public.
He said KUZANA SCEEZ was conceived as a national platform to explore opportunities for the growth, development and commercialisation of Zimbabwe’s sporting and creative industries.
“The expo represents a significant milestone in Government’s efforts to position sport and the creative industries as strategic contributors to economic development, employment creation, innovation, investment and the empowerment of Zimbabwe’s young people,” said Moyo.
He said the programme would feature high-level conferences, exhibitions and arts and culture events, with experts and prominent speakers expected to engage on issues affecting the two sectors.
Topics to be discussed include sports investment, infrastructure development, talent development, sports business, marketing, governance, innovation and opportunities presented by the global sports economy.
Moyo said the expo would open today with the Sport Industry Conference, which will be attended by Vice-President General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga as guest of honour.
“The Conference will provide a high-level platform for dialogue on the development and professionalisation of Zimbabwe’s sport industry,” he said.
Tomorrow, the Creative Economy Conference will take centre stage, with Vice-President Colonel (Rtd) Dr Kembo Mohadi expected to attend as guest of honour.
Moyo said the conference would bring together leading voices from Zimbabwe’s creative sector to deliberate on the contribution of the creative industries to national development.
Panel discussions will focus on music, film and television, fashion, publishing, visual and performing arts, digital content, intellectual property, cultural heritage, investment and the commercialisation of creative talent.
The official opening of the expo will be held on Friday and will be graced by President Mnangagwa.
Moyo said the President’s participation underscored the importance the Government attaches to the development of sport and the creative industries as part of the national development agenda and the attainment of Vision 2030.
“The expo is expected to attract high-level national, regional and international delegates, including members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, investors, sporting personalities, creative practitioners, development partners and other distinguished guests.
“The participation of the high-level delegates will provide an important opportunity to showcase Zimbabwe’s talent, culture, innovation and investment opportunities while strengthening international partnerships,” he said.
Beyond the conferences and exhibitions, KUZANA SCEEZ will feature a programme combining business, sport, culture, entertainment and public engagement.
One of the highlights will be the KUZANA SCEEZ Marathon on Saturday, which is expected to promote mass participation, healthy lifestyles and highlight the social and economic value of sport.
The marathon will be followed by the KUZANA SCEEZ Music Festival at the ZITF Grounds, starting at 6pm and running into the early hours of Sunday.
The festival will feature a line-up of Zimbabwean artistes, including celebrated performer Scott Maphuma.
“The festival will provide an opportunity for Zimbabweans and visitors to celebrate the country’s rich musical heritage while creating a platform for artists and other players in the entertainment industry to showcase their work,” said Moyo.
The programme will also feature a boxing match at the ZITF Grounds on Sunday before the expo culminates with a football encounter between Highlanders and Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium.
“The sporting finale is expected to attract football supporters and sport enthusiasts from across the country, further reinforcing Bulawayo’s position as an important centre for Zimbabwe’s sporting and cultural activities,” said Moyo.
