The Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts has inducted the 5th Council Board of the National Arts Council (NAC), with Hon. Minister Elvis C. Nkandu urging members to provide visionary leadership and position the arts as a key pillar of Zambia’s economic growth.

The induction, held at Government Complex in Lusaka, brought together newly appointed Board Members, senior Ministry officials, and the NAC Secretariat. The session included presentations on policy frameworks, departmental roles, and ongoing projects, including the construction of the National Arts Centre and preparations for the 20th edition of the Ngoma Awards, scheduled for 11th December 2025.

Youth, Sport and Arts Minister Hon. Elvis C. Nkandu congratulated the new leaders, reminding the Board that their appointment carries both honour and responsibility on behalf of Zambia’s artistes. He outlined Government’s achievements, including ongoing revisions of the NAC Act and the Theatres and Cinematography Act, and reaffirmed commitment to establishing the Arts Development Fund and National Film Commission.

The Minister challenged the Board to expand NAC’s presence beyond Lusaka, strengthen corporate governance, and place the artiste at the centre of all policies and programmes. He also expressed confidence in the new leadership’s ability to steer the sector toward professionalism, sustainability, and international competitiveness.

Permanent Secretary for Arts Mr. Fumba Chama underscored Government’s commitment to transforming the arts from a social sector into an economic driver, citing the National Arts Policy (2023) and National Film Policy (2023) as milestones. He encouraged the Board to leverage their diverse expertise and develop innovative financing models to reduce reliance on Government funding.

During the meeting, elections were held for the leadership of the Board. Ms. Maureen Lilanda was elected Chairperson, while Mr. Tivo Shikapwashya was elected Vice Chairperson.

The two are seasoned figures in Zambia’s creative industry.

Ms. Lilanda is an award-winning jazz and traditional fusion musician with decades of international performances, community influence and arts advocacy.

She has also won multiple Ngoma awards, two Azami awards and Starmaker accolade. She was nominated in the South Africa Kora Award for Best Female Artist. In 2022 she was awarded the Ngoma Awards Lifetime Achievement. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Zambia Arts Adjudicators Panel, in this role she has been the chief adjudicator for the Ngoma Awards.

Mr. Shikapwasha is a veteran film and television director who has also led the Zambia Association of Musicians, championing industry reform and artist welfare.