Connected Sahara is a new hubs network that aims to define, refine and reform the creative industry strategy for Southern Africa. Our work has been focused on guiding and advising the committee on sustainable business models, content creation and engagement, and governance, through a combination of country visits, ecosystem mapping, skill and knowledge based workshops, and one-to-one meetings with entrepreneurs, storytellers and members of the network. 

In December 2019, we conducted a series of internal workshops mapping the assets, values and networks of members. At the end of this session, we identified distinct, shared objectives for the network, allowing us to recommend programme content that directly related to a concise vision.

Following the workshops, we visited 18 hubs in Harare and Bulawayo, spending time with hub leaders to understand the the varied needs for a hub network in the country. Creating opportunities to learn and listen is integral to our approach in consultancy and mentorship within the creative industries. These conversations have allowed us to make recommendations that are grounded in the local context.

Following a week of internal activity, we co-hosted a public event, bringing together a panel of esteemed speakers including hub managers, Government ministers, public and private sector leaders. The panel discussed the challenges and successes of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Zimbabwe. The conversation brought up the issue with elitism within the sector; suggested a need to self-criticise the expectation for public funding; the challenges of sustaining a business or freelance practice within the constraints of the system that constitutes businesses in Zimbabwe; the strength and resilience of entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe and how in challenging socio-political times, resilience and innovation is prevalent.

Our role in this event, and more broadly across our cross-continental work, is to be a critical friend. We often work in international contexts, coming into a new space that is being driven by local activity. We are passionate about working with creative entrepreneurs and institutions to build global partnerships, encourage global learning, and strengthen value for the arts worldwide. However, as ‘outsiders’, it’s important for us to create space in our approach. Our advantage is being able to ask the questions that those working together on the ground cannot; to see a broad vision of the local context; as a tool to disrupt the status quo which often results in new, innovative approaches and perspectives long-term.