Oramah: CANEX focus is to build depth on pillars of Africa’s creative industry

The President of the African Export-Import Bank, Benedict Oramah, is leading a transformative initiative to enhance Africa's creative industry at the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX) in Algeria. This event aims to delve deeper into the diverse pillars of Africa's creative sector, including film, music, sports, fashion, visual, and literary arts. In a conversation with CNBC Africa, Oramah emphasizes the importance of providing increased financial support while underscoring the significance of safeguarding intellectual property across the continent. The objective of the CANEX Weekend is to offer attendees an immersive experience of African culture, talent, and creativity. Oramah expresses his optimism for individuals to revel in the rich vibrancy and flavors of Africa showcased at the event. Through initiatives led by the African Export-Import Bank, such as funding aspiring producers and established creatives, the platform aims to elevate African talent onto the global stage. Key Theme: Driving Growth and Sustainability in Africa's Creative Industry Key Points: 1. Empowering Artists and Creatives: Oramah highlights the critical need to invest in infrastructure for artists to perform and create across the continent. By providing financial support and preserving intellectual property rights, the initiative seeks to empower young talents and nurture the growth of Africa's creative economy. 2. Fostering Collaboration and Innovation: The partnership with the Foundation of African People to establish studios and film parks across Africa demonstrates the commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation within the creative industry. Through initiatives like the Ogobo drum collaboration, which brought together artists from Africa, the Caribbean, and Brazil, the platform aims to showcase African creativity on a global scale. 3. Intellectual Property Protection: Oramah underscores the significance of preserving intellectual property as a driving force for economic growth in Africa. By creating a company that safeguards rights over brands, copyrights, music, film, and other creative assets, the initiative seeks to position Africa as a leader in intellectual property and innovation. In a bid to boost job creation, citizenship, and sectoral growth, the $1 million funding commitment over the next five years is poised to deliver tangible impacts across the creative ecosystem. From supporting young designers to enabling artists to monetize their performances, the initiative strives to create a sustainable and vibrant creative sector across Africa. As the CANEX Weekend unfolds, Oramah's vision of catalyzing growth and innovation within Africa's creative industry sets the stage for a dynamic transformation in the continent's cultural landscape. Through strategic partnerships, financial investment, and intellectual property protection, the initiative aims to propel Africa onto the global stage as a hub of creativity and innovation.