The Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) has given a major financial boost to the country’s creative industry, disbursing K190 million in grants to help local artists take their work to the international stage. The colourful presentation ceremony took place at Lilongwe Hotel, attracting top players from the arts, government officials, and the media.
COSOMA Board Chairperson, Robert Kapyepye, said the funding was aimed at breaking the financial barriers that have stopped many Malawian creatives from exploring global opportunities. According to him, the initiative is part of the organisation’s long-term plan to position Malawi’s artists as global cultural ambassadors.
“We are deliberately sending our artists beyond Malawi’s borders to showcase their craft, win international audiences, and bring in the much-needed foreign currency for our economy,” Kapyepye said. He explained that the grants will allow artists to participate in festivals, exhibitions, book tours, music tours, and theatre performances abroad.
The programme will see nearly 10 Malawian talents travel to countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Nigeria, and Zambia. Beneficiaries cut across different art forms such as music, theatre, and literature. COSOMA believes this initiative will not only change the lives of individual artists but also expand Malawi’s cultural footprint and foreign exchange earnings.
“This is about conquering new markets. Our creative sector is fertile ground for forex generation, and today we are planting seeds that will grow far beyond our borders,” Kapyepye added.
One of the beneficiaries, musician Kingston Zeze, who received K20 million, expressed gratitude to COSOMA and the Malawi Government. Speaking on behalf of all the grant recipients, he said the funding was not just financial support but a gateway to international success.
“This support is more than money—it’s an open door to the world. We promise to make Malawi proud,” Zeze said.
Other beneficiaries include music star Lawrence “Lulu” Khwisa (K20 million), the Malawi Writers Union (K20 million), singer Debora (K16 million), Dr. Chimwemwe Mhango (K19.5 million), and the National Theatre Association (K20 million). Each artist is expected to use the funds to cover travel costs, accommodation, event registration, and promotion in foreign markets.
The move also aligns with President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera’s development vision of “leaving no one behind,” which seeks to create equal opportunities for different sectors of society to contribute to national growth. In recent years, Malawi has been working to diversify its economy by promoting tourism, culture, and creative industries alongside agriculture and mining.
Industry experts say COSOMA’s investment is a step in the right direction, especially at a time when African music, film, and literature are enjoying global recognition. By helping artists to take part in major international events, Malawi stands to gain more visibility and potential collaborations with global creative networks.
The creative industry in Malawi has long struggled with limited funding, lack of marketing channels, and poor access to international platforms. With the K190 million grant, artists now have a rare opportunity to present their work to wider audiences, attract investors, and develop professional networks.
Economists believe that if well-managed, such initiatives can increase Malawi’s cultural exports, boost tourism, and create employment opportunities. In addition, they argue that the success stories of these artists abroad could inspire the next generation of Malawian creatives.
For now, the beneficiaries are preparing for their trips and projects abroad, with the hope that their performances, exhibitions, and publications will open more doors for Malawi’s arts on the global stage.
