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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 MpaliZubaMakofiMungomaUbuntuTen 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.

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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