Diplomats, CEOs to harness Africa’s creative, cultural industries in global discourse

Laureine Guilao, chief executive officer, TipMe Liberia; Nmachi Jidenma, former deputy CEO of MTN Liberia and Rama Yade, foremost French diplomat and an author are among the big names that will speak at the second edition of the Africa Soft Power Series virtual summit.

The summit, themed ‘The Bridge: The Past, The Present, The Future’ will focused on Africa’s Creative and Cultural industries (CCI) and will take place virtually between May 5th and 25th.

Africa Soft Power Series virtual summit will include high-level sessions and 80+ speakers, examining how the continent can harness the power of its creative and cultural industries to effectively propel itself forward, while championing the inclusion of African voices and the voices of the diaspora community in global discourse.

Nkiru Balonwu, founder and convener of the Africa Soft Power Series says the global reach of African artists like Burna Boy and Wizkid serves as inspiration not only to Africa and its diaspora community, but to young people around the world, and it also highlights the growing influence of African creativity globally.

According to Balonwu, the creative and cultural sectors can be a strong catalyst for investment, employment, and future economic growth across the continent and beyond.

In addition to changing narratives and supporting growth, the theme, “The Bridge is about enabling Africa and the global black diaspora to engage, build, and develop together, a more progressive future – a more connected future that will benefit all of the world,” said Obi Asika, co-convener of the Africa Soft Power Series.

Similarly, Benedict Oramah, Afrexim Bank President, said that the creative industry can be potent vehicles for more equitable, sustainable and inclusive growth strategies for African economies.

The global gathering will see thought leaders, influencers and pioneers engaging in a longer and broader conversation on Africa’s creative power, knowledge economy, and how these assets can strengthen ties between the continent, diaspora community and the wider world.

The sessions – on film, music, fashion, sports, technology, finance, art, social impact and more – will explore tangible strategies and new initiatives for accelerating economic growth and retelling the African story on the world stage.