BEVERLY HILLS, May 05, (THEWILL) – The Africa Soft Power Project (ASP) will this month launch the second edition of the Africa Soft Power Series’ virtual summit focused on Africa’s Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI).
Taking place between 5th and 25th May, 2021, the event will include high-level sessions and more than 80 speakers, examining how the continent can harness the power of its creative and cultural industries to effectively propel itself forward.
Themed “The Bridge: The Past, The Present, The Future,” 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, etc, will explore tangible strategies and new initiatives for accelerating economic growth and retelling the African story on the world stage.
Commenting, Nkiru Balonwu, Founder and Convener of The Africa Soft Power Series said “This year’s Grammy Award wins for African artists Burna Boy and Wizkid show that this is Africa’s time.”
Balonwu added that “The global reach of these artists and the inspiration that they bring not only to Africa and its Diaspora community, but to young people around the world, highlights the growing influence of African creativity globally. The creative and cultural sectors can be a strong catalyst for investment, employment, and future economic growth across the continent and beyond.”
Obi Asika, Co-Convener of The Africa Soft Power Series said “in addition to changing narratives and supporting growth, the theme, “The Bridge is about connecting and 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.
Similar sentiments on the power of Africa’s creative industries and the need to build a progressive and connected future were also echoed by AfreximBank President, Professor Benedict Oramah at the Africa Soft Power held February this year.
Prof Oramah said: “The New Face of African Collaboration, the creative industries can be potent vehicles for more equitable, sustainable and inclusive growth strategies for African economies.”
The opening session, “Africa Now: Defining The Future,” will feature Keynote from foremost French diplomat, author, global thought leader, Ambassador Rama Yade.
Yade is director of the Atlantic Council’s Africa Diaspora and senior fellow for the Europe Center. At the age of thirty, she was appointed France’s deputy minister for foreign affairs and human rights. She was the first ever French minister for human rights and first woman of African descent to become a member of the French cabinet. She was also Ambassador of France to UNESCO and was instrumental in the designation of the World Heritage Site for the French natural sites Causses and Cévenne. She is the author of several books, including Blacks of France, Letter to the Youth, and A Chronicle of Power. After serving France, Ambassador Yade’s aim is to serve the African continent where she was born.
Other esteemed speakers on the session include: Laureine Guilao; CEO, TipMe Liberia and former Deputy CEO MTN Liberia; Nmachi Jidenma; Head of Scouts & Partnerships, Sequoia Capital. Prior to Sequoia, she led global strategy at WhatsApp Inc. She also previously led partnerships at Facebook and spearheaded global business development at PayPal; Shikoh Gitau; CEO Qhala and Member, COVID-19 ICT Advisory Committee, Government of Kenya.
The session will be moderated by Sophie Masipa; CEO Kgommuu International and former Head of Communications and Media Relations, Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
About the Author
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
