LICAF as a key driver of cultural unity -Sikumba

 Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba has hailed the 2026 Livingstone International Culture and Arts Festival (LICAF) as a key driver of cultural unity, sustainable development and regional integration.

Speaking during the official opening of the two-day festival in Livingstone yesterday, Mr Sikumba — who is also Member of Parliament for the tourist capital — described the event as Zambia’s emerging “cultural heartbeat” and an important platform for promoting heritage as an economic asset.

The minister apologised for arriving late, attributing the delay to circumstances beyond his control, and joked that “ministers are never late, they are always delayed,” drawing laughter from the audience.

Mr Sikumba said LICAF, which dates back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, has grown into one of the country’s flagship cultural tourism events, showcasing music, dance, cuisine and handicrafts from Zambia and other countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

He said the festival continues to benefit from shared regional heritage, making collaboration among participating countries seamless.

“This festival is not only about preserving traditions but also about creating opportunities, empowering communities and driving sustainable economic growth,” he said.

Mr Sikumba noted that this year’s theme, Celebrating Cultural Diversity through Sustainable Development, aligns with Government’s broader agenda of leveraging culture for socio-economic transformation.

He linked LICAF to the Ministry’s Pamozi Carnival initiative, which is aimed at promoting indigenous cuisines, cultural heritage and creative industries from all the 10 provinces.

Mr Sikumba also paid tribute to festival organisers, choreographers, performers, sponsors, the private sector, cooperating partners, the District Commissioner and the media for their continued support.

He further highlighted the role of cultural diplomacy, citing a recent exchange with Ghana that gained widespread attention following the introduction of the traditional “fugu” attire.

Mr Sikumba announced that Zambia will undertake a reciprocal cultural visit to Ghana, noting that such engagements demonstrate the power of culture in strengthening international relations.

Meanwhile, the minister urged Zambians to promote domestic tourism by attending the nearly 99 traditional ceremonies supported by Government across the country.

“There is no better person to market Zambia than a Zambian,” he said, encouraging citizens to explore different parts of the country and appreciate diverse cultures.

Mr Sikumba also called on festival-goers to support local exhibitors by purchasing handicrafts and sampling traditional foods.

He said Government, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, remains committed to fostering unity and inclusiveness under the motto *One Zambia, One Nation, One People*.

The festival, being held at Maramba Cultural Village, features a Culture Street Carnival and has attracted participants from across Zambia and the SADC region. Organisers say the event is designed to boost cultural tourism and position Livingstone as a leading cultural destination.