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Beyond the screen: MultiChoice’s 30 years growing Zambian culture, technology and economy

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Leah Kooma

As the much-loved African entertainment group celebrates three decades in Zambia, Leah Kooma, Managing Director MultiChoice Zambia, muses on the power of entertainment to impact lives – and society – in a variety of ways

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, October 31, 2025/APO Group/ –Three decades is a long time. In the Zambian film and television industry, it’s literally transformational period of time. That is how long MultiChoice (www.MultiChoice.com) has been operating in Zambia, and our sector is now almost unrecognisable from 1995, when we set up business in Lusaka.

The media landscape has been revolutionised over those three decades, and I’m proud to say that MultiChoice has been at the forefront of leading that revolution.

Technology evolution

The arrival of the MultiChoice brand heralded the introduction of satellite broadcasting in the country. Subsequently, MultiChoice would also help to introduce a range of other innovations.

We expanded beyond satellite-only television by introducing GOtv for affordable access, launching DStv/GOtv Stream and Showmax for streaming content, and mobile apps for flexible viewing anytime, anywhere.

We are proud to have been part of this technology evolution, helping to redefine how entertainment is shared and experienced in Zambia. However, I am equally proud when I consider the broader social contribution that a video-entertainment business can make.

Social impact

Fundamentally, it’s about knowledge empowerment. Digital connectivity gives users access to global content – real-time access to international news, sport, documentaries, and educational content. Local audiences become part of global conversations, cultures, and innovations.

This broadens horizons and sparks an interest in lifelong learning, which in turn inspires Zambians to become part of the global knowledge economy.

On the other side of the coin, Zambians have brought their own insights to the global conversation, as local culture is showcased across our region, and we begin to consolidate our own cultural identity through homegrown Zambian talent and productions.

Industry development

These productions have been part of a steadily growing creative economy, which not only strengthens national pride, but creates thousands of jobs within TV and film production, as well as advertising, events, hospitality and technology.

I am proud to contribute beyond the screen; to not just deliver television entertainment, but to help shape Zambia’s national identity

Driving this economic multiplier effect has been the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), which has one of its three pan-African training academies in Lusaka.

MTF Academy graduate courses, masterclasses and mentorship programmes equip young creatives with practical production skills. Graduates emerge industry-ready, well prepared to help drive Zambia’s creative ecosystem.

From a situation where Zambia produced only a handful of local productions, channels like Zambezi Magic now host hit local drama, comedy and reality shows, including Mpali, Zuba, Makofi, Mungoma, Ubuntu, Ten Tamanga Street and Date My Family Zambia.

These 30 years of industry growth have seen a surge in not just quantity, but quality too. Notably, MTF alumnus Cosmas Nga’ndwe won an AMVCA (Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award) (https://apo-opa.co/48W3Rs1) this year for best indigenous language film.

Becoming part of industry development at this level has underlined a fundamental truth in our partnership with the Zambian people. We are here to add value. It’s about far more than providing a service. It’s about long-term investment and national growth.

We see ourselves as a trusted development partner, creating jobs, driving tech innovation, and empowering youth to create inspirational content that will shape Zambian culture for years to come.

We have come to understand that we do this most effectively when we place our customers at the heart of everything we do, understanding their needs, anticipating challenges, and delivering solutions that enhance their experiences.

Growing our people

This partnership approach extends to our people; helping them to develop their careers and to grow as individuals. We have been proud to see employees start out in customer service or technical support and rise into leadership through continuous training and development.

We also run wellness programmes that help staff feel valued and supported. Passionate staff become ambassadors, helping us deliver impact well beyond the screen – in the form of reliable service, problem-solving and customer satisfaction.

Other key Zambian stakeholders we have been fortunate to build relationships with have been ZNBC and the free-to-Air channels. Our close relationships have helped all of us expand our reach and bring Zambian culture to a wider audience.

We look forward to the next 30 years of working together – MultiChoice Zambia and our partners – developing Zambian talent, launching new productions, and giving local creators greater opportunities.

Personally, it has been incredibly rewarding to see Zambian stories gain recognition across Africa, and to see MTF graduates emerge and start developing the country’s film industry.

Like everyone on the MultiChoice Zambia family, I am proud to contribute beyond the screen; to not just deliver television entertainment, but to help shape Zambia’s national identity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.

Business

Afreximbank Backs DOTT Services Limited, Uganda with a US$28 Million Facility for Regional Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Projects

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The financing will enhance DOTT’s capacity to execute strategic projects across the continent, facilitate intra-African trade in goods and services and strengthen regional value chains

CAIRO, Egypt, November 4, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has activated and approved a US$28 million dual-tranche facility for DOTT Services Limited, the leading Uganda-based engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, and has begun disbursing funds to support the execution of its EPC projects pipeline, valued at more than US$550 million.

 




 
 

Provided under Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, the facility is designed to strengthen the capacity of African EPC champions to secure and execute large-scale infrastructure projects across the continent. Specifically, the financing will support DOTT Services Limited in executing contracts and pursuing near-term opportunities valued at approximately US$550 million across Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Commenting on the transaction, Mr. Humphrey Nwugo, Director of Regional Operations at Afreximbank’s Eastern Africa office, said:

Through the initiative, the Bank provides support, including financing, twinning and matchmaking

“This facility reflects Afreximbank’s commitment to building strong African EPC champions capable of delivering the infrastructure that underpins Africa’s industrialisation, trade and economic integration. By supporting DOTT Services Ltd, a well-established regional contractor with operations across five African countries, we are addressing a critical financing gap that has historically constrained the ability of African firms to participate meaningfully in large-scale, cross-border infrastructure projects.

The financing will enhance DOTT’s capacity to execute strategic projects across the continent, facilitate intra-African trade in goods and services and strengthen regional value chains. It also advances Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, which seeks to increase African participation in the development and delivery of Africa’s infrastructure.

Through partnerships such as this, we are ensuring that greater value, expertise, employment opportunities and economic benefits are retained within Africa while fostering the emergence of globally competitive African contractors.”

Mr. Nwugo further noted that most local commercial banks lacked the capacity to support intra-African and regional projects because they were poorly placed to absorb the associated cross-border risks, while international banks tended to prioritise non-African contractors. As a result, African entities were often left without adequate financial support.

He said: “Afreximbank’s EPC Initiative was therefore designed to address this challenge by supporting African EPC contractors in securing and executing a greater share of infrastructure contracts across the continent. Through the initiative, the Bank provides support, including financing, twinning and matchmaking, as well as issuing letters of support, among others”, he explained.

DOTT Services Limited presence in Africa spans 28-years, with operations in Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). It also has European offices in Italy and the UK, and a workforce of over 6,000 people. The company procures from, and distributes to, African countries goods such as bitumen, asphalt, steel and spare parts, as well as yellow goods equipment and services, making it a significant player in intra-African trade. Its track record of promoting trade-supporting infrastructure across the continent makes it a natural partner for Afreximbank’s EPC Contract Promotion Initiative, which seeks to build African EPC champions capable of delivering the infrastructure that underpins intra-African trade.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

 

 




 

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Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) invests in Africa’s leadership potential through EDGE

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Coca-Cola

Developed in partnership with Henley Business School Africa, the programme equips high-potential leaders with the skills, experiences and perspectives needed to drive growth, create value and deliver impact across the business

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 4, 2026/APO Group/ –Thirty-one leaders from across 12 African countries have graduated from Coca-Cola Beverages Africa’s (CCBA) (https://www.CCBAgroup.com) EDGE Senior Leadership Acceleration Programme, marking the completion of the programme’s second generation and the first pan-African EDGE cohort.

 




 
 

Created by CCBA, EDGE is the company’s flagship senior leadership development programme. Building on previous participation from The Coca-Cola Company, the programme was further expanded in 2026 to include leaders from Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, creating a broader pan-African learning experience across the Coca-Cola system.

Developed in partnership with Henley Business School Africa, the programme equips high-potential leaders with the skills, experiences and perspectives needed to drive growth, create value and deliver impact across the business.

The 2026 cohort marks an important milestone for EDGE as the programme brought together leaders from across the Coca-Cola system

The graduating cohort represented leaders from multiple countries and business functions. Through classroom learning, business projects, mentoring and coaching, participants gained practical experience in addressing real business opportunities and challenges.

With CCBA serving more than 840,000 customers across Africa, the company requires leaders who can navigate complexity and create value in diverse markets. EDGE helps build these capabilities through practical, business-focused learning.

“People are at the heart of everything we do, and programmes like EDGE demonstrate our commitment to investing in their growth and future success,” said Natasa Prodanovic, Chief People and Culture Officer at CCBA.

“The 2026 cohort marks an important milestone for EDGE as the programme brought together leaders from across the Coca-Cola system. By learning alongside colleagues from The Coca-Cola Company, Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, participants were able to build meaningful connections, share diverse perspectives and strengthen collaboration across our markets.”

The curriculum focused on strategy, value creation, transformation, commercial decision-making, leading self and leading teams. Participants also presented business projects aligned to organisational priorities as part of the programme’s graduation requirements.

EDGE forms part of CCBA’s broader commitment to developing future leaders and building the capabilities needed to drive sustainable growth and impact across Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.

 

 




 

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Africa and Caribbean trade potential could reach $1.65 billion annually by 2030: International Trade Centre (ITC)-Afreximbank report

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Afreximbank

The report finds that around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda, November 3, 2026/APO Group/ –Annual trade in goods and services between Africa and the Caribbean could reach up to $1.65 billion by 2030, excluding mineral fuels, according to a new report launched today by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.

 




  

The report, Reshaping Africa-Caribbean Trade: Opportunities for Economic Transformation, (https://apo-opa.co/4eiz62u) finds that while Africa and the Caribbean share deep historical and cultural links, trade between the two regions continues to represent only a small share of each region’s overall trade, despite complementarities across sectors ranging from agribusiness and manufacturing to services and the creative economy.

A look at the numbers

The report finds that around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped, with are significant opportunities for export growth if trade and investment is actively promoted and facilitated.

Africa and the Caribbean must transform a shared history into shared prosperity

Caribbean export potential lies in the services sector, reaching $481 million. The report identifies business opportunities across several priority sectors, including processed food and animal feed, chemicals, minerals and metals, apparel and textiles, leather and footwear, tourism, transport services and creative industries.

These findings – and more – are based on trade and export potential analysis, detailed sector assessments and a survey of 1,175 businesses and business support organizations across Africa and the Caribbean.

Tapping into priority sectors

ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton (https://apo-opa.co/3WHHZMU), in launching the report, said: ‘At a time of major shifts in global trade, countries need to strengthen regional ties and invest in value addition, to build resilience. We know the major trade opportunities between Africa and the Caribbean – and now we can focus on helping businesses take advantage of those opportunities through better market intelligence, improved logistics and greater access to finance.’

Commenting on the report, Denys Denya, Senior Executive Vice President at Afreximbank, said: ‘Africa and the Caribbean must transform a shared history into shared prosperity. With our CARICOM office in Barbados, about $1 billion in approved transactions and a $5 billion regional financing commitment, Afreximbank is advancing this vision through financing, deposit mobilization under CENDEP, business links through the annual Afri-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum, local-currency payments through CAPSS and creative-industry collaboration through CANEX. This report offers a practical roadmap to turn untapped potential into bankable opportunities across agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism and the creative economy. Through targeted financing, stronger transport and logistics links and strategic partnerships, we can build a Global Africa connected by heritage, trade, investment and shared opportunity.’

The report finds that businesses continue to face significant challenges, including high transport costs, limited direct shipping links, regulatory barriers, limited access to finance and difficulties in identifying trusted commercial partners. It highlights that future economic cooperation should extend beyond traditional trade in goods, including through joint investment ventures, digital services, creative industries and tourism. It also calls for targeted action to improve market intelligence and business matchmaking; expand access to trade finance and payment solutions; strengthen transport and logistics connectivity; support sector-specific value chain development; improve regulatory cooperation and market access; and foster stronger partnerships among business support organizations.

Read the full report HERE (https://apo-opa.co/4exHBH9)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

 




 

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