Newly launched Zimbabwean tech company KiwaConnect is making strategic moves to empower the country’s creative industry by developing digital tools and infrastructure aimed at marketing and supporting artists.
Speaking in an interview, the company said its mission of “leveraging technology to connect people with opportunities” is centred on driving digital innovation, ecosystem development and inclusive socio-economic growth.
KiwaConnect believes every economic sector can become more attractive and viable through the use of interactive digital platforms designed to improve accessibility, visibility and collaboration.
“We are a tech company that has identified an opportunity to build a digital platform that feeds into an interdependent ecosystem which is user-friendly and equipped to support the needs of the creative industry and beyond,” said KiwaConnect founder and director Fungai Jacqueline Kiwa (pictured).
She said musicians, visual artists and other creatives stand to benefit significantly from the KiwaConnect digital platform through enhanced brand visibility, networking opportunities, collaborations, mentorship programmes and digital promotions tailored to different industry needs.
“There will also be programmes and opportunities within the creative and digital economy that will be shared from time to time,” she added.
Driven by the philosophy, “Learn. Lead. Link,” KiwaConnect believes the creative industry is rich with thought leaders who need greater understanding of how to monetise their talents and skills beyond temporary success.
“Other than building your brand and its relevance as a creative practitioner, one needs to understand the value of a professional digital ecosystem,” said Kiwa.
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She explained that the platform allows users to showcase their skills and creative works, build personal brands, connect with industry professionals, collaborate with other creatives and gain access to markets and professional opportunities.
“Through this platform, musicians, photographers, poets, producers, filmmakers and digital content creators can create professional profiles and become part of fast-growing networks,” she said.
The company said the platform is designed to empower individuals, help organisations innovate and enable communities to participate meaningfully in the digital economy, while also opening opportunities for growth in domestic and regional trade.
“The value of a strong digital network is highly beneficial to every player within the ecosystem. At a personal level, you get noticed and that visibility can be converted into monetary gains, allowing a free flow of income. Over time, increased work opportunities also help build stronger portfolios backed by referrals,” she said.
Meanwhile, for creatives who may lack digital skills, KiwaConnect is providing training programmes in partnership with Momentos, with certification support from the Chinhoyi University of Technology.
