The entertainment giant marks three decades of transforming Zambia’s media landscape, empowering local talent, and driving digital innovation.
Three decades is a long time and in Zambia’s film and television industry, it’s been a truly transformational period. That is how long MultiChoice (MultiChoice.com) has been operating in Zambia, and in that time, the country’s media sector has evolved dramatically from what it was in 1995, when the company first established its operations in Lusaka.
Over these 30 years, the media landscape has been revolutionised, and MultiChoice has proudly been at the forefront of that transformation.
Technology Evolution: How MultiChoice Revolutionised Zambia’s Entertainment Industry
The arrival of the MultiChoice brand in Zambia marked the beginning of the satellite broadcasting era. Since then, the company has continued to pioneer new innovations that have shaped how Zambians access and enjoy entertainment.
MultiChoice expanded beyond satellite-only television by introducing GOtv for affordable access, launching DStv/GOtv Stream and Showmax for online viewing, and developing mobile apps for convenient access anytime, anywhere.
“We are proud to have been part of this technological evolution, redefining how entertainment is shared and experienced in Zambia,” said Leah Kooma, Managing Director of MultiChoice Zambia. “But equally important is our contribution to the broader social and cultural fabric of the country.”
Social Impact: Empowering Knowledge and Connecting Zambians to the World
At its core, MultiChoice’s mission is about knowledge empowerment. Through digital connectivity, Zambian audiences now have access to global content from international news and sports to documentaries and educational programmes. This access helps broaden horizons and inspire lifelong learning, positioning Zambians to participate in the global knowledge economy.
Equally, local voices are now being amplified on the global stage. Zambian culture is showcased across the region through homegrown productions and talent, helping to strengthen a shared national identity.
Industry Development: Building Zambia’s Creative Economy
These productions have become the backbone of Zambia’s growing creative economy, which not only fuels national pride but also creates thousands of jobs across television and film production, advertising, events, hospitality, and technology.
At the heart of this growth is the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), one of three pan-African academies headquartered in Lusaka. Through its graduate programmes, masterclasses, and mentorships, MTF equips young creatives with practical skills to become industry-ready and drive Zambia’s creative ecosystem forward.
Leah Nakazwe Kooma MD Zambia
From a time when Zambia produced only a handful of local shows, platforms like Zambezi Magic now feature hit dramas, comedies, and reality shows such as Mpali, Zuba, Makofi, Mungoma, Ubuntu, Ten Tamanga Street, and Date My Family Zambia.
Quality has risen alongside quantity, a testament to the nation’s talent. Notably, MTF alumnus Cosmas Nga’ndwe won an Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA) this year for Best Indigenous Language Film.
“Our partnership with the Zambian people is about more than providing a service,” said Kooma. “It’s about long-term investment, empowerment, and nation-building. We see ourselves as a trusted development partner, creating jobs, driving innovation, and inspiring the next generation of storytellers.”
Growing Our People: Investing in Employees and Partnerships
MultiChoice’s commitment to development also extends to its employees. Many team members have grown from customer service or technical roles into leadership positions through continuous training and professional development.
The company also invests in staff wellness programmes that foster engagement and loyalty. “Passionate employees become ambassadors for our brand,” Kooma explained. “Their dedication drives customer satisfaction and strengthens our connection to communities across Zambia.”
Collaboration remains key to this success. MultiChoice continues to work closely with ZNBC and other free-to-air channels to broaden reach and bring Zambian culture to an even wider audience.
Looking Ahead: Shaping Zambia’s Future Through Entertainment
As MultiChoice Zambia celebrates this milestone, the company remains committed to deepening its impact developing local talent, launching new productions, and expanding opportunities for Zambian creators to tell their stories to the world.
“Seeing Zambian stories gain recognition across Africa has been incredibly rewarding,” said Kooma. “Like everyone in the MultiChoice Zambia family, I am proud to contribute beyond the screen — to not only deliver entertainment, but to help shape Zambia’s national identity.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.
