By Edem Latsu Nukafu
The French Embassy in Ghana has launched Creation Africa Ghana, an initiative that aims to empower entrepreneurs in the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs).
However, on Monday, November 13, 2023, saw the launch of a call for proposals for the program at the French Embassy in Ghana.
Uttering at the programme, the President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo communicated his profound thrills over the initiative.
“Creation Africa which is taking Ghana as its first port of call is something that we in Ghana should be proud of and accept. And the reason for it is something which to Ghanaians should be obvious. We have a dynamic, viable and strong creative industry in Ghana, and it’s not of today’s making; for long as I can remember Ghanaian musicians, artists, painters have done so much work to bring our culture up to date, to refine it, to redefine it and generally to make it relevant to the struggles and efforts we were making to develop,” he articulated.
The President proceeded and noted that the cultural and creative industries are huge drivers of economic development.
“The cultural and creative industries are themselves huge drivers of growth, of wealth creation as well as of course of cultural and creative output,” he said.
Jules Armand Aniambossou, the French Ambassador to Ghana, stated that their goal is to bring together artistry and entrepreneurship by adding more vitality to the sector.
“We invite aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators to submit their projects for a chance to receive mentorship, resources and money,” he revealed.
Creation Africa Ghana, organized by Impact Hub, is part of a larger initiative spearheaded by the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, known as Creation Africa, which has so far involved 15 African countries. Ghana, South Africa, Benin, Cameroon, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Chad, and Togo form the group.
- About Creation Africa Ghana
Creation Africa Ghana seeks to provide empowerment to entrepreneurs who are involved in the creation and development, production and distribution of goods, services and activities with cultural, artistic and/or heritage content [architecture, design, books & publishing, music, cinema, audiovisual content, digital creations, museums & heritage, media, visual arts, video games, fashion & luxury goods, performing arts.
French foreign policy has shifted its focus in recent years to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, especially in the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs). A comprehensive UNESCO study conducted between 2020 and 2021 shows that these industries have significant untapped potential in Africa.
According to the study, Africa’s film industry could create over 20 million jobs and generate US$20 billion in annual revenue by increasing investment. These industries currently employ about 5 million people and contribute US$5 billion to Africa’s GDP.
8.2% of total employment on the continent is made up of cultural employment. The potential of CCIs is still untapped, particularly in informal and private cultural sectors. By fostering entrepreneurial talent, fostering innovation, and driving job creation, the Creation Africa Ghana project aims to address this gap.
The project’s ‘Forum Creation Africa’ was a significant event that took place in Paris from October 6th to 8th, 2023.
The objective of this forum was to produce and circulate emerging African artistic creations, and to provide a creative platform for new opportunities and narratives. African and European entrepreneurs, artists, creators, producers, broadcasters, and industry champions met to discuss production issues and consider opportunities for collaboration.
Akosua Hanson, the creator of the Moongirls comic novel series, documentary producer, and radio show host, are all exceptional Ghanaian creators. Eyram Tawia (CEO of Leti Arts, a video game studio), Francis Brown (Creative director at AnimaxFYB, an animation studio), and Jessica Hagan (Screenwriter and playwright) — had the privilege of representing Ghana at the Forum.
Forum Creation Africa’s objective is to become a well-known cultural and creative event for professionals and designers from both continents.
This will be tailored to assist Ghanaian entrepreneurs in the CCIs. The Impact Hub’s role in managing the subsequent incubation/acceleration program will be crucial, overseeing approximately 30 projects, and providing support and funding to the top 5 projects.
Writer’s email: edemlatsu093@gmail.com
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