G20 Urged to Back Creative Industries in Africa

Zimbali: The African Union (AU) has called on the Group of Twenty (G20) members to support inclusive financing frameworks for the cultural and creative industries. Addressing the fourth G20 Culture Working Group Meeting, AU Head of the Culture Division, Angela Martins, highlighted the potential of Africa's creative industries, which include sectors like film, music, fashion, and digital arts, to drive economic growth. According to South African Government News Agency, Martins emphasized the importance of integrating culture into national development strategies and empowering women and youth to participate in global value chains. She mentioned initiatives like the AU Plan of Action on Cultural and Creative Industries and the Creative Africa Nexus, which aim to foster partnerships, expand markets, and ensure fair remuneration for creators. Martins also discussed the role of technology in promoting Africa's cultural heritage globally. She pointed to the AU Digital Transformation Strategy 2020-2030 as a means t o develop digital infrastructure and innovation hubs, enabling African creators to protect, share, and monetize their work. Highlighting the connection between culture and climate change, Martins urged G20 members to invest in climate-smart cultural infrastructure. She noted that cultural values and traditions play a key role in addressing climate change, and platforms like the Group of Friends for Culture-Based Climate Action promote culture-based strategies for environmental resilience. The G20 Culture Working Group, established as a permanent forum in 2020, aims to promote culture as a driver of sustainable development and protect cultural heritage globally. As part of preparations for the G20 Summit in November 2025, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie convened a meeting under the theme 'Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability', bringing together officials from Africa and other G20 member states.