On World Youth Skills Day 2025, Kayode Adebayo explores why Africa must look inward to build a future driven by youth and culture—not charity. With over 60% of its population under 25, Africa stands at a unique crossroads. This article argues that true transformation will come not from imported models, but from empowering the continent’s creative economy. Spotlighting the work of Arts Connect Africa (ACA) and Ckrowd, Adebayo outlines how training, infrastructure, and cultural policy must align to unlock Africa’s next generation of creative leaders.
Tag: African music industry
Unlocking Africa’s Cultural Power: How Arts Connect Africa’s Festival Network Can Transform the Continent
Africa’s creative industry is poised for transformation, and at the center of this evolution is Arts Connect Africa (ACA) — a pioneering network uniting over 50 creative festivals across the continent. This article explores how ACA’s influence goes beyond celebration and entertainment to deliver strategic impact in education, economic empowerment, and global cultural exchange. From enabling on-the-ground skill-building and economic reform to reshaping Africa’s global cultural narrative, ACA offers a new blueprint for continental development through the arts. As international record labels eye Africa, ACA’s model stands as a powerful example of how local ownership, partnership, and purpose can redefine the role of festivals — from stages to systems of change.
Breaking Barriers: How Women Are Reshaping Africa’s Music Industry
Explore how women are transforming Africa’s music industry by overcoming challenges and driving innovation.