Lusaka July: how Zambia's arts week became a continental draw

LUSAKA — When the first Lusaka July arts week was held in 2017, it amounted to little more than three gallery openings and a fashion show. The 2025 edition drew 18,000 visitors over nine days, with programming in eight venues and a who's-who of African collectors, curators and DJs in attendance.

"We have been very deliberate about being an artist-led week," festival director Mwamba Chikwemba said. "The point is to put Zambian work on a continental shelf."

Highlights of this year's programme included a retrospective of painter Stary Mwaba and a sold-out residency by Nigerian saxophonist Asa.