World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
A case for the creative economy in Africa
The cultural and creative sector in Africa has immense economic potential. It creates jobs, boosts tourism, and generates revenue by exporting cultural products. For instance, Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry, significantly contributes to the national economy and has gained international recognition. However, many other creative sectors across the continent do not receive the same level of investment and policy support, limiting their growth and impact. By acknowledging the cultural and creative sector’s significance and potential, African governments and international partners can help unlock its full benefits, fostering economic growth, preserving cultural heritage, and enhancing social cohesion across the continent.
In many African countries, the cultural and creative sector, which includes arts, music, film, literature and traditional crafts, is often underappreciated and underfunded in public policies and international cooperation initiatives. Despite its potential to contribute significantly to economic development, social cohesion, and cultural identity, this sector frequently lacks the support it needs to thrive. Traditional crafts, music and storytelling are vital aspects of cultural expression and community bonding. Supporting these activities helps maintain cultural diversity and fosters a sense of pride and belonging among communities. Unfortunately, public policies often overlook these social and cultural values, focusing instead on more conventional economic sectors.
Public policies in many African countries do not prioritise the cultural and creative sectors. This neglect is attributed to several factors:
Policymakers have limited awareness of the sector’s potential and importance. In addition to investing in education and training for artists and cultural practitioners, policymakers need to understand the cultural and creative industry’s potential for building a skilled workforce that can drive the sector forward.
Governments often allocate limited resources to sectors perceived as more critical for immediate economic growth, such as agriculture, mining and infrastructure, neglecting the creative industry. Governments should develop and implement policies that specifically support and promote the cultural and creative industries. This includes providing funding, creating favourable regulatory environments, and recognising the sector’s economic and social contributions.
Lack of clear regulations and support structures that stifle the growth of creative industries. A way to solve this issue is by creating regulations specifically tailored to the needs of the cultural and creative sector. It is vital to avoid one-size-fits-all approaches and instead develop sector-specific policies that recognise the unique characteristics and requirements of creative industries. This includes involving stakeholders in the policymaking process. This ensures that the voices of those directly impacted by the regulations are heard and considered.
Regarding international cooperation, other priorities such as healthcare, education and infrastructure development often overshadow the cultural and creative sector. While these areas are undoubtedly important, integrating cultural and creative sector support into international development agendas provides a more holistic approach to sustainable development, such as enhancing social cohesion by promoting understanding and tolerance among diverse groups.
As we commemorate World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, we recognise the cultural and creative sectors as vital components of sustainable development. Appreciating cultural diversity not only enhances the quality of life for individuals and communities but also contributes to a more diverse, inclusive and resilient global society. By recognising and valuing cultural diversity, societies can foster dialogue that bridges cultural divides and promotes peaceful coexistence. Simultaneously, leveraging cultural diversity for development can lead to more innovative, inclusive and sustainable societies.
