The Africa Creatives Alliance (ACA) has been officially launched, aiming to harness the immense potential of Africa’s cultural and creative sectors to drive economic growth and development across the continent. This landmark initiative was unveiled during the inaugural Africa Urban Forum, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, titled “The Africa We Want.”
A Catalyst for Change
The ACA is poised to become a key catalyst for transforming Africa into a global powerhouse by empowering cultural and creative entrepreneurs. With a diverse consortium of partners, including the African Union, UN-Habitat, MoTIV Africa, British Council, and AfriLabs, the alliance seeks to create a unified ecosystem that will enhance collaboration among creatives, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.
Rita Ngenzi, the founding director of the ACA, emphasized the critical need for a coordinated effort to build robust Cultural and Creative Industry (CCI) ecosystems across Africa. “While we have vibrant pockets of CCI networks and events across the continent, a unified, continent-wide ecosystem remains elusive. The ACA will bridge this gap by drawing on best practices from across Africa,” she stated.
Economic Potential of the Creative Sector
The creative economy in Africa is recognized as a dynamic yet undertapped engine of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth and employment. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), cultural and creative industries generate nearly $2.3 billion annually and create approximately 30 million jobs worldwide, with a significant portion held by youth aged 15-29. Currently, these sectors account for 3.1% of global GDP and 6.2% of all employment.
The ACA aims to unlock this potential by fostering an environment conducive to creativity and innovation. CK Japheth, founder and team lead at MoTIV Africa, highlighted that “by 2050, one in four people will be African,” making the continent a key growth market. He stressed the importance of leveraging this demographic advantage to address job creation challenges.
Addressing Challenges in the Creative Economy
Despite its potential, the activation of creative economies in Africa faces several impediments. Experts at the launch pointed out that misconceptions about the divide between culture and economy create significant barriers to progress. Johanna Kouzmine-Karavaïeff, a culture and creative industry expert, noted that overcoming these perceptions requires orchestrating various elements within the sector and raising awareness about its economic value.
Strategic Focus Areas
The ACA will focus on several strategic pillars:
- Ecosystem Convening: Bringing together creative hubs, incubators, accelerators, and other stakeholders to foster collaboration.
- Policy & Advocacy: Creating an enabling environment through research-driven policy recommendations.
- Education and Capacity Building: Offering training programs to equip creatives with essential skills for success in global markets.
- Infrastructure Strengthening: Prioritizing investments in physical infrastructure to enhance productivity.
- Investment Mobilization: Attracting capital through tailored investment vehicles to support creative enterprises.
By fostering collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships, the ACA aims to empower creatives across the continent and contribute significantly to Africa’s economic transformation. As stakeholders unite under this initiative, there is hope for a vibrant future where Africa’s cultural richness translates into sustainable growth and development.
By Joseph Johnston
Youth Editor,
Egogonews Hub
