AFRIMA president joins global experts at Morocco cultural industries forum

The forum was hosted by the HIBA Foundation under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI of Morocco. It brought together policymakers, investors, academics and cultural practitioners from Africa, Europe and North America to discuss ways of strengthening cultural ecosystems and increasing the economic contribution of creative industries across the continent.

Participants included representatives from Senegal, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Belgium, Germany, France, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso and Quebec. Discussions over the four-day programme focused on policy development, investment frameworks and cross-border collaboration within Africa’s cultural sector.

Dada, a lawyer and creative economy specialist, represented AFRIMA and the African music industry on a panel titled Towards a Pan-African Federation of Cultural Operators: What lessons can be drawn from past experiences, and how can we project forward? The session examined mechanisms for knowledge sharing, regional cooperation and cultural exchange across African countries.

During the discussion, he referred to AFRIMA’s collaboration with the African Union and the role of the awards platform in raising the international profile of African music. He also emphasised the need for sustained investment, skills development and stronger partnerships to expand opportunities for young creatives.

“Africa’s creative industry is not just growing; it is becoming a powerful economic force,” Dada said. “What we need now is stronger cooperation across the continent, better policies, and sustainable investment. If we can achieve that, our cultural sector will contribute far more to national development than it does today.”

He added that the forum provided a space for shared learning and long-term planning. “This forum gives us the platform to exchange ideas, learn from global partners, and build a shared vision for African culture. Conversations like this help us understand what is working, what needs to change, and how we can move forward together as one creative continent,” he said.

Dada also highlighted AFRIMA’s broader mission. “Through AFRIMA, we continue to promote African music to the world, support young creatives, and strengthen partnerships between countries. Our goal is to make sure African talent is visible, respected, exposed to global opportunities and celebrated everywhere,” he said.