Launch Of Africa Creatives Alliance Set To Transform Economic Landscape

Launch Of Africa Creatives Alliance Set To Transform Economic Landscape

The Africa Creatives Alliance (ACA) has been launched to enhance the creative economy across the continent. Established in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, “The Africa We Want,” the ACA aims to transform Africa into a global leader by tapping into the vast potential of its cultural and creative sectors…….CONTINUE READING 

The alliance seeks to empower cultural and creative entrepreneurs, enabling them to play a significant role in Africa’s development and integration goals. Officially launched during the inaugural Africa Urban Forum, the ACA collaborates with a range of partners, including the African Union, UN-Habitat, MoTIV Africa, Artisans of Innovation, British Council, AfriLabs, and Save the Children. This initiative marks a pivotal step in leveraging Africa’s creative industries for socio-economic growth and continental unity.

Addressing the challenges posed by urbanization, the Africa Urban Forum highlighted that Africa’s creative economy is a dynamic yet underutilized engine for GDP growth and job creation. According to UNESCO, global cultural and creative industries generate nearly $2.3 billion in annual revenues and create almost 30 million jobs, with a significant share held by youth aged 15-29.

Rita Ngenzi, the founding director of the ACA, emphasized the need for a coordinated effort to develop robust cultural and creative industry ecosystems throughout Africa. “While there are vibrant networks and events across the continent, a unified ecosystem remains elusive. The ACA will bridge this gap by sharing best practices and fostering collaboration to advance Africa’s cultural and creative renaissance,” Ngenzi stated.

CK Japheth, founder and team lead at MoTIV Africa, remarked that the ACA represents a coalition aimed at unlocking the immense potential of Africa’s creative economy. He noted that by 2050, one in four people will be African, positioning the continent as a key growth market. With over 70% of the population reliant on the informal economy, the challenge of job creation is significant, making the harnessing of human potential crucial for Africa’s future.

Anna Ekeledo, executive director of AfriLabs, described the ACA as a bold step toward creating a unified ecosystem that empowers creatives across the continent. By connecting hubs, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, Africa’s creative talent can thrive and significantly contribute to socio-economic development.

Johanna Kouzmine-Karavaïeff, a culture and creative industry expert, highlighted the complexity of activating creative economies. “While it shouldn’t be overly complicated, the perception of a divide between culture and economy creates barriers. We must understand our elements, coordinate them, and raise awareness to overcome these challenges,” she asserted.