(Ecofin Agency) - The move aims to support creative industries in a context where many African countries are looking for strategies to support that industry.

Zambia has suspended import duties on film and music equipment, President Hakainde Hichilema recently announced on Twitter. The government official's Tweet also mentions the equipment concerned, notably projectors, cameras, and headphones.

Parties seeking the suspension need to send an application letter to their respective arts associations, stating the equipment concerned. Only after the association has responded to the application can a party proceed with the acquisitions. The Tweet also warns that the equipment whose acquisition benefits from the import duty suspension can not be resold.

The initiative was positively welcomed on social media but some users believe it should have been directed toward sectors like agribusiness and energy to bring costs down.

Servan Ahougnon