The Zimbabwean government has set aside US$10 million for local content production, part of an initiative to enhance services under the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) and promote heritage-based broadcasting.
Announced by Minister of Information, Dr Jenfan Muswere, during a ZBC workshop in Harare, the funding aims to launch new television and radio channels and to support the country’s creative industry. He highlighted the need for producers to develop sustainable content aligned with national values.
“The National Arts Council has over 3,500 registered professionals, and it’s crucial for them and others to generate content that represents Zimbabwe,” Dr Muswere stated, stressing the importance of quality content for viewership.
The budget allocation is intended to reinforce the public broadcaster and ensure local filmmakers and musicians benefit directly. Dr Muswere also discussed plans for content hubs in all ten provinces and announced upcoming Film and National Language Policies.
Despite past funding challenges, recent reforms have unlocked resources for ZBC. “What we need now is content,” he said, calling on creators to reflect the nation’s story and achievements.
Acting ZBC board chairperson, Mr Tapson Dzvetero, and ZBC chief executive, Mr Sugar Chagonda, echoed the commitment to work closely with content creators to foster innovation and support the broadcasting ecosystem.