TEMPO Networks launches TEMPO Africa through Zambia carnival partnership

TEMPO Networks is expanding into Africa through a multi-year partnership with Zambia’s Lusaka Carnival, marking the company’s 21st anniversary and a new push to connect Caribbean and African culture, media and tourism. The deal makes TEMPO the festival’s exclusive strategic Caribbean partner and sets up promotional, artist, media and cultural exchange plans for November 2026 and beyond.

Why it matters: - TEMPO Networks is using its 21st anniversary to open a new market in Africa and deepen cultural ties between the Caribbean and the continent. - The Lusaka Carnival partnership gives TEMPO a platform for artist bookings, media reach, tourism promotion and creative-industry growth in Zambia. - The collaboration is designed to create a long-term bridge for cultural exchange, commercial activity and audience growth across both regions.

What happened: - TEMPO Networks announced the launch of TEMPO Africa through a strategic partnership with Lusaka Carnival 2026 in Zambia. - The company was named the Official & Exclusive Strategic Caribbean Partner of Lusaka Carnival. - Lusaka Carnival is scheduled for 20-21 November 2026 in Lusaka, Zambia. - The partnership is multi-year and covers Caribbean strategy, artist engagement, media promotion, marketing and strategic development. - Frederick A. Morton, Jr., founder and CEO of TEMPO Networks, called the move a cultural and business milestone. - Namaala Liebenthal, founder of ZOCA Dance, said the partnership is a defining moment for Lusaka Carnival.

The details: - TEMPO Networks will help lead the festival’s Caribbean strategy and support its goal of becoming Africa’s premier destination for Caribbean carnival, music, culture and entertainment. - The company will work with festival organizers to bring Caribbean artists, performers, creatives and cultural experiences to Zambia. - Lusaka Carnival is presented by ZOCA Dance Limited, a Zambian dance and cultural organization with more than 17 years of community work. - The festival is co-presented with Barefeet Theatre Zambia, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. - Zamtel is powering the festival and backing its role in Zambia’s creative economy. - The partnership is governed by a multi-year Strategic Caribbean Partnership Agreement. - The agreement covers artist development, media production, destination marketing, cultural exchange and strategic initiatives. - TEMPO Networks will launch a Caribbean-wide promotional campaign across television, digital platforms and social media in the coming months. - The campaign will introduce millions of viewers to Zambia, Lusaka Carnival and the festival’s vision.

Between the lines: - TEMPO Africa signals that the company sees Africa not just as a new audience, but as a long-term extension of its media and cultural mission. - Zambia is being positioned as both a tourism destination and a gateway for wider African expansion. - The deal also reflects how festivals are increasingly being used as platforms for cross-border branding, tourism and creative-industry development. - Both sides say the relationship could expand beyond the festival into media production, tourism promotion, business collaboration and broader cultural exchange.

What's next: - TEMPO Networks will roll out the promotional campaign ahead of the November 2026 festival. - Festival organizers and TEMPO Networks plan to build a sustained partnership beyond the launch year. - The two organizations aim to create opportunities for artists, entrepreneurs, tourism stakeholders and audiences across Africa and the Caribbean. - TEMPO Africa is positioned as the company’s next chapter after two decades of Caribbean-focused media growth.

The bottom line: - TEMPO Networks is turning a festival partnership into a broader Africa strategy, with Zambia as the launch point for a new Caribbean-Africa cultural corridor.