GOVERNMENT has set aside US$10 million for local content production as part of a broader strategy to strengthen and expand the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation’s (ZBC)television and radio platforms, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere has said.
Dr Muswere made the announcement while addressing a ZBC stakeholder engagement workshop currently taking place in Harare, which has drawn independent producers, filmmakers and media industry experts.
He said recent legislative and policy reforms have laid a firm foundation for growth in the broadcasting sector, placing a renewed obligation on content creators to drive a professional, ethical and economically sustainable media industry.
The engagement forum is designed to collect views that will inform the development of a structured framework to support content producers operating within the national broadcasting space, while reinforcing heritage-based programming.
Dr Muswere confirmed that the funding will be available to local producers, adding that government plans to convene pre-budget consultations aimed at establishing content hubs in all ten provinces. The hubs are expected to support filmmakers, musicians and other creative practitioners across the value chain.
He also disclosed that work is underway on a Film Policy, alongside a National Language Policy, both of which are expected to be tabled before Cabinet in the first quarter of the year.
“The National Arts Council has a database of 3 500 registered players, and it is now upon the Council, independent producers, and many others to generate content that we can all be proud of,” Dr Muswere said.
He noted that audience growth in broadcasting is driven by compelling and relevant programming, adding that building a competitive local film and content industry depends on adequately resourcing the public broadcaster.
“In broadcasting, viewership follows content. For us to succeed in creating a new and viable film industry, the foundation lies in the capacitation of the public broadcaster. I can confidently assure you all that part of the public broadcaster’s budget for 2026 includes an equivalent of US$10 million for content producers,” he said.
Dr Muswere stressed that public funding of the broadcaster must translate into tangible benefits for Zimbabwean creatives, describing the initiative as a practical expression of the broadcaster’s strategic vision.
“We cannot have all citizens of Zimbabwe contributing to the public broadcaster if we do not have Zimbabwean players, producers, musicians, and filmmakers benefiting from these funds. This aligns with the aspirations outlined last year in ZBC’s strategic plan, and it is now up to all filmmakers and content producers to entertain, educate, and inform the people of Zimbabwe as well as the international community about what we have achieved as we journey towards becoming an upper-middle-income society,” he said.
ZBC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sugar Chagonda, said the broadcaster is open to broad-based partnerships with players across the creative sector.
“The public broadcaster is ready to work with everyone. We want to hear from you, we want to work and grow with you. Let us all tell Zimbabwe’s story together,” Mr Chagonda said.
