The Inclusive Growth Pivot: Why Collaboration is the New Currency
- Southerton Business Times
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
By Percy Nhara
If you’ve stepped outside in Harare, Bulawayo, or Masvingo lately, you’ve likely felt a different kind of buzz. It wasn’t just the March heat; it was the energy of Creative Economy Week Zimbabwe (CEW2026), which wrapped up on March 7th. The British Council and its partners turned the country into a giant boardroom for "shakers and makers," and the message was loud and clear.
We’ve spent the last few weeks getting your house in order. We talked about formalizing your business, securing global digital passports, and pricing your work so you don't end up as a "starving artist." But this week, the theme is "Kuvaka Pamwe" (Building Together). The NDS2 era has a new rule: if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to get paid, go together.
1. The "Ecosystem" is the New Studio
For years, Zimbabwean artists operated like islands. The musicians didn't talk to the filmmakers, and the fashion designers only saw the painters at gallery openings. The "Inclusive Growth Pivot" is about breaking those walls.
During the recent masterclasses, we saw the Creative Business Academy for Africa (CBAfA) model in action. They are moving away from teaching just "music business" to a full "Ecosystem Template." Imagine a filmmaker in Chipinge collaborating with a costume designer in Bulawayo to create a music video for a singer in Harare. That isn't just a project; it’s a value chain. When we work in silos, we lose money. When we pivot to an ecosystem, we create an industry.
2. Legal Alert: The Banjul Protocol and Your Brand
While the showcases were brilliant, something serious happened on March 1st, 2026. The Banjul Protocol (governed by ARIPO) introduced major amendments that every creative needs to know.
Why should a comedian or a sculptor care? Because your brand is your biggest asset.
Speed: The refusal window for trademarks has been cut from nine months to six. This means you get your protection faster.
Exhibition Priority: If you showcase a new design or brand at an event like CEW2026, you now have a six-month "priority" window to file for protection.
Costs: Be warned—fees have increased (electronic filing is now $160).
It’s the legal version of the ISRC codes we discussed it ensures no one else can "copy-paste" your hard work and profit from it in Lagos or Nairobi.
3. The ZIMRA Digital Reality
As of January 2026, the new 15% Digital Services Tax is officially in motion. For those selling digital art or music via foreign platforms, ZIMRA is now using intermediaries (like your bank) to withhold this at the point of payment. This sounds scary, but it’s actually a nudge toward formalization. Being a registered taxpayer allows you to claim these withholdings as credits.
4. Funding Deadlines: Don't Sleep!
During the Grants in Arts Roundtable, several institutions outlined their 2026–2027 funding cycles. Take note of these upcoming dates:
Visa For Music 2026: Applications for the Rabat showcase close March 27, 2026.
bildingship Grant: For young artists focused on creative education, the deadline is April 5, 2026.
The Bottom Line: Don't Be a Lone Wolf
The "Lone Wolf" artist is a myth that belongs in the past. In 2026, success is a team sport. Use the connections you made during Creative Economy Week. Whether you are attending a session on "Fashion as Film" or "Music Publishing," look to your left and right. Your next business partner is sitting right there.
Stop trying to be the CEO, the janitor, and the lead singer all at once. Pivot to collaboration. Build the ecosystem. Let’s grow together.
Creative Economy Week Zimbabwe 2026
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