Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Lack of financial literacy and economic exploitation of creatives are poised to become relics of the past following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Chartered Accountants Academy (CAA).
This landmark agreement, signed in Harare by NACZ chief executive Napoleon Nyanhi and CAA managing director Elliot Tawanda Wonenyika, aims to empower Zimbabwean creatives with essential accounting knowledge through an innovative initiative called “The Creative Ledger”.
Through this initiative, creatives will enhance their artistic vision by acquiring financial acumen and business discipline.
Additionally, workshops will be offered to demystify finance and business concepts for the broader creative community.
In formalising the partnership, Nyanhi emphasised that the creative sector will be transformed by this initiative.
“We are gathered to formalise a partnership that, I believe, will reshape the trajectory of our nation’s creative and cultural sector. The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Chartered Accountants Academy (CAA) are joining hands to sign a Memorandum of Understanding — a covenant of commitment to our artists, our cultural workers, and the future of Zimbabwe’s creative economy,” he remarked.
“Creatives in Zimbabwe are powerful catalysts for national development. Yet, we have long acknowledged a critical gap: the bridge between boundless creativity and sustainable enterprise. Many of our brilliant artists struggle to translate their genius into financial stability. Many arts organisations operate from project to project, unable to build enduring institutions. The business of art remains an elusive concept for many. This ends here, and it ends with this partnership.”
Enlightening creatives on the new initiative, Nyanhi stated that this programme was a game-changer for the industry.
“Our collaboration with CAA births a groundbreaking initiative: “The Creative Ledger.” The ledger, in accounting, is the core record of value, transactions, assets, and growth. ‘The Creative Ledger’ programme will become the core instrument for recording and building value within our creative sector. It represents a vital fusion of artistic vision with financial acumen and business discipline,” he pointed out.
He added: “Through this MOU, we commit to three pillars of action: first, programme development: NACZ and CAA will co-create a relevant, practical curriculum. This will include free impact workshops to demystify finance and business for our wide community.
“More strategically, it will lead to an accredited ‘Creative Entrepreneur Certificate’ with tailored pathways for the artist in the studio and the manager in the office. This is about building capacity from the ground up.
“Second, Programme Delivery: NACZ will leverage its national network, its community trust, and its platforms to bring these programmes to every corner of our sector.
“CAA will bring its world-class expertise, its facilitators, and its rigorous instructional excellence to ensure the quality of learning is beyond reproach. This is a true synergy of reach and depth.
“Third, Certification and Accreditation: We move beyond vague promises of training to tangible recognition. Workshop certificates and, most importantly, the formal accredited certifications will bear the insignia of both NACZ and CAA.”
Nyanhi further noted that the dual branding was a powerful signal to the market.
It signifies an individual who is not only creatively gifted but also professionally equipped and ready for business.
“This initiative is targeted at the emerging artist, the established performer, the arts administrator, the manager, and indeed, the NACZ staff themselves. We must all speak this new language of creative sustainability.
“Our ultimate goal is to build a creative sector that is resilient in the face of challenges, professional in its conduct, and financially sustainable in its operations.”
He also highlighted that they are looking towards a bright future where artists are empowered to understand accounting and financial literacy.
“We envision a sector where artists are empowered stakeholders in the economy, where intellectual property is understood and valued, and where creative enterprises can access investment because their books are in order and their plans are bankable.
“This partnership is evidence of your institution’s commitment to national development beyond the traditional corporate sphere.
“To our creative community, this is for you. This is the infrastructure for your empowerment that we have been building towards. Embrace it.
“Participate in it. Let us learn, so that we can build,” he shared.
The partnership has come as a major boost to the creatives when ignorance has cost many players.
