French Embassy to support creative entrepreneurs
Creation Africa Ghana, an initiative by the French Embassy in Ghana, has launched a call for proposals to empower entrepreneurs in the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs). The initiative, which is part of a broader effort led by the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, includes 15 African countries, including Ghana, South Africa, Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Chad, and Togo.
Creation Africa Ghana aims to empower entrepreneurs involved in the creation, development, production, and distribution of goods, services, and activities with cultural, artistic, and heritage content. The project seeks to address the untapped potential of the CCIs in Africa, particularly within informal and private cultural sectors. A comprehensive UNESCO study conducted between 2020 and 2021 estimates that Africa’s film could generate $20 billion in annual revenue and create over 20 million jobs with increased investment.
One significant highlight of the project is the “Forum Creation Africa,” which took place from October 6th to 8th, 2023, in Paris. This forum was dedicated to the production and circulation of emerging African artistic creation and presented a creative platform for new opportunities and narratives. Four exceptional Ghanaian creators – Akosua Hanson (Creator of the Moongirls comic novel series, documentary producer and radio show host), Eyram Tawia (CEO of Leti Arts, a video game studio), Francis Brown (Creative director at AnimaxFYB, an animation studio), and Jessica Hagan (Screenwriter and playwright) – represented Ghana at the Forum.
The Forum Creation Africa aims to become a prominent cultural and creative event for professionals and designers from both continents, specifically designed to support Ghanaian entrepreneurs in the CCIs. Impact Hub will play a pivotal role in managing the subsequent incubation/acceleration program, overseeing approximately 30 projects, with the objective of providing support and funding to the top 5 projects.