Moving to Bulawayo from Harare right after the COVID lockdown was a leap into the unknown for me. I decided to attend as many events as I could to build community. One evening, I stumbled upon an art and faith series at my church, featuring an online presentation by an artist named Jeff McRobbie. The vision he shared struck a chord within me, echoing my own hopes and aspirations. That inspiration would later influence my vision for the Zimbabwean creative economy, which I shared at the inaugural Magitare Confluence 2025, part of the British Council’s Creative Economy Week. The theme of the event, “Growth Reimagined,” encapsulated a journey toward a vibrant future for Bulawayo and the broader Zimbabwean creative economy.

The vision I shared revolved around four pivotal themes that I believe can guide us toward a flourishing city.

First and foremost, we must strive for the flourishing of our city. This means actively contributing to our community—uplifting and enriching those around us. In a world that often feels disconnected, our focus should be on building bridges, fostering collaboration, and creating opportunities for all. Whether through local initiatives, art projects, or community engagement, each of us has a role to play in nurturing a thriving city.

Next, we must behold our city with eyes of faith. This involves envisioning possibilities and harnessing our collective creativity to transform both individual lives and the communal experience. Faith in our city’s potential can inspire new ventures, artistic expressions, and innovative solutions to the challenges we face. By believing in the possibilities, we lay the groundwork for a brighter future.
Engaging the imagination of our city is crucial. We must challenge the status quo and reimagine what is possible. This requires inspiring innovation and encouraging out-of-the-box thinking. Our creative minds must come together to explore new ideas and approaches, paving the way for a dynamic cultural landscape. The arts, in particular, have the power to provoke thought and stimulate change, urging us to rethink our narratives and aspirations.

Finally, we must commit to telling a true story. Sharing authentic narratives that reflect our experiences, challenges, and triumphs fosters connection and belonging within our community. These stories are the fabric of our identity, and by celebrating them, we create a sense of unity and purpose. Every voice matters in this narrative, and it is our collective stories that will guide us into the future.

The keynote address was given by TELCO Managing Director, Dumisani Nkala who is a strong proponent of the creative economy. I picked up the following action points which I have adopted going forward in the growth of the Zimbabwean creative economy:
1. Explore ways to create skills exchange programs and value exchange models within the creative industries.
2. Engage with policy makers to advocate for policy reforms that support the growth of the creative economy.
3. Investigate opportunities for private sector investment and participation in the creative industries.
The Magitare Confluence was a beautiful embodiment of these themes—a gathering of government officials, industry leaders, creatives, and innovators engaging in meaningful dialogue. It was heartening to see such a diverse group come together to inspire new possibilities for Bulawayo and beyond.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the British Council and the Embassy of Switzerland to Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe for their unwavering support. Through collaboration we can cultivate a creative economy that reflects our values, aspirations, and unique stories. The future is bright, and it is ours to envision and create.