The British Council, in partnership with the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC), is delighted to announce the successful conclusion of an international forum that aimed to promote the growth of North Africa and Africa's creative economy. This event took place today and brought together creative economy stakeholders from across Africa, wider Europe, and a network of global leaders through the PEC International Council.
The overarching theme of the forum was to enhance the understanding of current developments and opportunities within Africa's cultural and creative industries and encourage partnerships between them. Already recognised as one of the faster growing elements of the global economy, and with exceptional growth predicted for much of North Africa and Africa, the creative sector helps to build economies that are fit for the future, sustainable, offer fulfilling opportunities to women and young people and enable communities to celebrate their cultural traditions and talents.
The event successfully presented examples of case studies and policy initiatives from across Africa, Asia the UK, and beyond, with a special focus on the policymaking landscape for the creative economy and significant topics corresponding to Intellectual Property, Intermediaries, skills, and education in the creative sector.
Mark Howard, The British Council Country Director Said "We're thrilled to be part of this initiative. This forum is important in building a lively future for North Africa and Africa's creative economy. We look forward to working with our partners and supporting new collaboration based on the insightful discussions that laid the groundwork for a lasting and inclusive creative sector in Egypt and beyond."
Dr Hisham Azmi, The Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Culture said “The Egyptian Ministry of Culture collaborates with the British Council and the Policy and Evidence Center PEC to enhance the Cultural and Creative Industries in Egypt.
The Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre, led by New Castle University and funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council as part of the UK Government's Industrial Strategy, played an essential role in supporting the growth of the UK's creative industries through independent evidence and policy advice. This initiative, in collaboration with the British Council, convened the PEC International Council—a network of renowned policy and creative economy practitioners from around the world, to review and provide an international perspective on PEC's activities.
The event attracted approximately 100 to 120 creative economy stakeholders, including representatives from Africa, wider Europe, and the PEC International Council. Notable countries represented within the PEC International Council included Brazil, Canada, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, India, Indonesia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Switzerland, South Africa, Uganda, the UK, and the USA. Additionally, the Ministry of Culture participated as our guest of honour or strategic partner.
About the British Council:
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding, and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education, and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2022–23 we reached 600 million people.
