Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
CREATIVE haven, the Centre for Talent Development (CTD) with support from the US Embassy in Zimbabwe, is continuing its “Artist Creative Entrepreneurship” (ACE) project with the second bootcamp set for Thursday to Saturday at Masiye Camp in Matobo.
It is a continuation from the first bootcamp held in March at Eveline High School.
This intensive three-day retreat will bring together 45 emerging artists from across Matabeleland to engage in transformative learning, collaboration, and entrepreneurial training.
ACE Bootcamp 2 is part of the year-long ACE Project, a youth-focused initiative designed to empower creatives aged 18–30 with digital, entrepreneurial, and collaborative skills.
The programme is being implemented in collaboration with US-based creative partners, Mic-Amped and Hand2Mouth.
The bootcamp will feature renowned entrepreneur and founder of Hustlers Summit, Nkosana George Mazibisa, as the lead facilitator. He will guide participants through key modules on entrepreneurial strategy, branding, and business growth.
Supporting facilitators include Jobert Ngwenya, who will lead a workshop on social media strategies for creatives, and Thabani Hilary Moyo, who will offer a session on Intellectual Property Rights.
In an interview, Moyo said preparations are well on course for the bootcamp.
“We are putting up the final touches for the bootcamp. We are looking forward to receiving the participants on Thursday morning and proceeding with them to Masiye Camp in the afternoon. Activities will start on Thursday evening with some performances from the participants around the bonfire,” he said.
In addition to masterclasses, participants will take part in team-building activities, cold pitching exercises, improvised performances, and feedback forums.
The boot camp, set to be attended by Rebecca Archer-Knepper, a US Embassy Public Diplomacy Officer, is designed to provide a nurturing environment for peer learning, creative risk-taking, and personal development.
The experience will culminate in a Final Pitch Panel, where participants will present their creative business ideas to a panel of industry mentors and stakeholders.
Moyo said participants will continue their learning journey through an Online Grant Writing Workshop to be held from July 1 to July 31.
Zimbabwe’s creative sector is on an upward trajectory, and ACE Bootcamp 2 aims to contribute significantly by investing in the talent, confidence, and innovation of the next generation of artists. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
