WeeklySA_AdminBLUEPRINT: Investment, skills and international opportunities will lead the agenda when artists, policymakers and industry leaders gather for the second Global Creative Summit this November.
By Len Maseko
Turning Africa’s creative talent into sustainable businesses and opening doors to international markets will be central to the second Global Creative Summit, taking place in Tshwane from November 19 to 21.
The three-day gathering will bring together government representatives, investors, cultural institutions and creative industry professionals to explore ways of strengthening the continent’s creative economy through funding, skills development, policy and international collaboration.
Under the theme “Visa to the World – Building Africa’s Creative Economy – The Blueprint”, the summit aims to develop practical pathways for creatives to access investment and grow their enterprises.
The initiative is led by the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, with the City of Tshwane as host city and Awakening Hub, USA, as its international strategic partner.
Summit founder Sinamandla Kwepile said the gathering sought to translate discussion into opportunities for African talent.
“The Global Creative Summit is about moving beyond conversations and building practical pathways for Africa’s creative economy. We want to connect our creative talent to investment, markets, skills and international opportunities, while ensuring that Africa plays a meaningful role in shaping the global creative economy.”
The programme opens on November 19 with an investment gala dinner, bringing public- and private-sector leaders together to explore the economic potential of Africa’s creative industries. Scheduled speakers include Black Business Council vice-president for professionals Linda Maqoma and Gauteng Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC Lebogang Maile.
The evening will also feature the African Renaissance Legacy Awards, recognising contributions to the continent’s creative and cultural life.
Announced recipients include META Foundation director Sara Hallatt and Mahotella Queens legends Hilda Tloubatla and Mildred Mangxola. The musicians will be honoured for their contribution to South African music and the preservation of African musical heritage.
CREATIVE ECONOMY BLUEPRINT
On November 20, discussions at Tshwane House will focus on the GCS Creative Economy Blueprint, organised around six pillars: policy and governance; finance and investment; market access and trade; mobility and cultural diplomacy; skills, technology and innovation; and infrastructure and creative cities.
Sessions will examine music as a global export, film and digital storytelling, creative tourism, alternative funding, fashion and visual arts, alongside the challenges of building sustainable creative enterprises.
Announced participants include broadcaster and entrepreneur DJ Sbu, Tshwane University of Technology head of performing arts Dr Rostislava Pashkevitch, Wiseman Ngubo, Nota Baloyi, Billboard Africa head of partnerships Tshego Kekana and South African State Theatre chief executive Shane Maja.
The programme also includes contributors from elsewhere on the continent, among them Mozambique’s Féling Mandela Capela and Ghana’s Tengol K. Kplemani.
The final day, hosted at the South African State Theatre on November 21, will address publishing, indigenous languages, artificial intelligence, digital innovation and financial literacy for creatives.
It will also feature VISA Fest – Africa on Stage, a celebration of African music, fashion, dance, poetry and cultural expression.
The announced line-up includes Khuli Chana, NaakMusiQ, Nobuhle, DJ Refiloe Motsei, Féling Capela, Esayidini Jazz Ensemble and performers from Eswatini, Nigeria and Angola.
Through the gathering, organisers hope to strengthen Gauteng’s position as a destination for creative investment and cultural exchange, while helping African creatives build businesses capable of competing internationally.
Registration is available through TicketKore.
