Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
What began as a passion for photography and filmmaking has evolved into a remarkable journey of entrepreneurship, innovation and international recognition for Harare-based creative professional Joseph Tembo.
The award-winning photographer, videographer, editor and licensed drone pilot has emerged as one of Zimbabwe’s leading visual storytellers, building a career that now spans humanitarian development projects, Government programmes, international conferences and major sporting events across Africa.
As founder and Creative Director of Owlys Studios, Tembo has spent more than a decade documenting transformative stories that are helping shape development narratives in Zimbabwe and beyond.
A graduate of Midlands State University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Film and Theatre Studies, Tembo made an early decision to pursue a career in the creative sector despite the uncertainties often associated with the industry.
That decision has since opened doors to regional and international opportunities.
His professional journey began during industrial attachment placements with Slimaz Productions and Twenty28 Pictures, where he gained valuable practical experience in film and television production.
Armed with technical expertise and a passion for storytelling, Tembo established Owlys Studios, a media production company that has grown into a respected brand servicing Government ministries, development organisations, international agencies and private sector institutions.
Over the years, his lens has captured stories of resilience, innovation and transformation in communities across Zimbabwe.
His productions have focused on climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, food security, women’s empowerment, education, youth development and public health initiatives.
Through partnerships with organisations such as the African Development Bank, UN Women, Oxfam Zimbabwe, ActionAid and other international development agencies, Tembo has documented projects that are changing lives across the continent.
His work has taken him beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
In recent years, he has participated in regional assignments covering African Development Bank programmes and high-level continental engagements, documenting projects ranging from agricultural transformation initiatives to science and technology development programmes.
These assignments have provided opportunities to showcase African success stories to international audiences while strengthening Zimbabwe’s presence within the continental creative industry.
Tembo’s growing reputation has also seen him cover international sporting events, including the prestigious World Pool Tournament, where his production expertise was deployed alongside professionals from different parts of the world.
The assignment further demonstrated the increasing competitiveness of Zimbabwean creatives on the global stage.
Speaking on his journey, Tembo expressed gratitude for the enabling environment being created under President Mnangagwa’s administration, saying the Second Republic’s emphasis on innovation, youth empowerment, industrialisation and entrepreneurship was opening new opportunities for creatives to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Every project presents an opportunity to tell a story that can educate, inspire and influence positive change,” said Tembo.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that these stories are documented professionally and authentically.”
He said the country’s development trajectory under Vision 2030 presents significant opportunities for the creative sector to support national branding, investment promotion and the documentation of transformative projects taking place across Zimbabwe.
“I would like to thank His Excellency President Mnangagwa for championing policies that encourage innovation, youth participation and entrepreneurship. As creatives, we have an important role in telling Zimbabwe’s success stories and showcasing the country’s progress to regional and international audiences,” he said.
Industry players say his success reflects the growing importance of the creative economy as a contributor to national development.
Beyond producing high-quality content, Tembo has created employment opportunities for young photographers, videographers, editors and digital content creators through Owlys Studios.
He is also passionate about mentoring emerging creatives and encouraging young people to embrace entrepreneurship.
As Zimbabwe advances towards Vision 2030, Tembo believes the creative sector has a critical role to play in job creation, innovation and economic growth.
“The future belongs to those who continue learning and adapting. Technology is changing rapidly, and creatives must constantly improve their skills if they are to remain competitive,” he said.
Today, Joseph Tembo’s story stands as a testament to the power of vision, perseverance and innovation.
From a university student with a passion for storytelling to an internationally recognised creative entrepreneur, his journey demonstrates the vast opportunities available within Zimbabwe’s growing creative industry.
His achievements also reflect the potential of Zimbabwe’s youthful talent to contribute towards the attainment of Vision 2030 and the country’s aspiration of becoming an upper-middle-income economy through innovation, skills development and entrepreneurship.
