Zimpapers Logo

Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]

THE African Union (AU) and Selam have launched the Connect for Culture Africa (CfCA) initiative, in partnership with Chenhaka Trust, to revolutionise Africa’s cultural and creative industries (CCIs).

The ground-breaking programme seeks to promote inclusivity, reshape perceptions, advocate for increased public investment, and highlight the continent’s diverse cultural expressions.

Chenhaka Trust director, Taurai Moyo, explained that building on the Revised African Union Plan of Action on Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs), CfCA aims to strengthen critical sectors such as legislative frameworks, market expansion, education, finance, statistical analysis, and the development of cultural infrastructure.

“In line with the AU’s vision, CfCA is working to influence African governments to allocate 1% of their national budgets to culture and creative industries by 2030. This initiative includes a focus on strengthening legislative frameworks, market expansion, arts education, finance, intellectual property rights, and cultural tourism,” said Moyo.

Upcoming events under CfCA include:

• Arts Sector Policy Discussions: A Roundtable Forum (November 28, 2024, Masvingo) — Key topics include funding, arts education, government support, intellectual property rights, cultural tourism, and public funding models.
• Coaching and Capacity Building Training for Young Culture Actors (December 6, 2024, Bulawayo) — Topics will cover packaging and branding, digital distribution, arts management, and financial literacy.
• Coaching and Training for Network Members (December 10-12, 2024, Harare).

Through these initiatives, the CfCA aims to support the sustainable growth of Africa’s cultural and creative industries, empowering young talent and encouraging government investment.

– @mthabisi_mthire