Zimbabwe’s ACE Bootcamp 2 Empowers Young Artists with Entrepreneurial and Creative Skills

Zimbabwe’s creative sector is set to receive another boost as the Centre for Talent Development (CTD), with support from the US Embassy in Zimbabwe, rolls out the second edition of its transformative Artist Creative Entrepreneurship (ACE) Bootcamp. The three-day retreat will take place from Thursday to Saturday at Masiye Camp in Matobo, bringing together 45 emerging artists from across Matabeleland.

Following the success of the inaugural bootcamp held in March at Eveline High School, ACE Bootcamp 2 continues the year-long ACE Project — a youth-focused initiative designed to equip creatives aged 18–30 with essential digital, entrepreneurial, and collaborative skills.

The programme is implemented in partnership with US-based creative organisations Mic-Amped and Hand2Mouth, further enhancing global exposure for local talent.

In an interview, CTD director Thabani Hilary Moyo confirmed that preparations are in full swing. “We are putting up the final touches for the bootcamp. We are looking forward to receiving the participants on Thursday morning and proceeding with them to Masiye Camp in the afternoon. Activities will kick off Thursday evening with performances around the bonfire,” he said.

The bootcamp will feature an intensive curriculum blending practical entrepreneurial training with creative development. Leading the facilitation is renowned entrepreneur and founder of Hustlers Summit, Nkosana George Mazibisa, who will deliver modules on entrepreneurial strategy, branding, and business growth.

Other expert facilitators include Jobert Ngwenya, who will conduct a workshop on social media strategies for creatives, and Thabani Hilary Moyo, who will lead a session on Intellectual Property Rights — a critical area for artists navigating the digital economy.

Participants will engage in a range of activities including masterclasses, team-building sessions, cold pitching exercises, improvised performances, and interactive feedback forums. A special highlight of the programme is the Final Pitch Panel, where artists will present their creative business ideas to a panel of industry mentors and stakeholders, fostering real-world connections and opportunities.

The bootcamp will also welcome Rebecca Archer-Knepper, Public Diplomacy Officer at the US Embassy in Zimbabwe, underscoring the strong partnership between CTD and the US Embassy in driving creative entrepreneurship.

To ensure continued learning, participants will move on to an Online Grant Writing Workshop running from July 1 to July 31, equipping them with skills to secure funding and sustain their projects.

Zimbabwe’s creative industry is on an exciting growth trajectory, fuelled by a rising generation of innovative young artists. Initiatives like ACE Bootcamp 2 play a pivotal role in nurturing this talent, building confidence, and fostering sustainable creative businesses that contribute to the country’s cultural and economic landscape.

With such initiatives empowering the next wave of creatives, Zimbabwe is steadily positioning itself as a vibrant hub for artistic innovation on the continent.