By Khalifa Hemed
Published February 20, 2025

African Union Commission and Music In Africa Foundation have signed an agreement aimed at strengthening the African music sector, protecting artists and advancing the role of music in driving economic and sustainable development across the continent. Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF), an all-African non-profit organisation that supports African music sector and African Union Commission (AUC) have signed an agreement aimed at strengthening the African music sector, protecting artists and advancing the role of music in driving economic and sustainable development across the continent.

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Among the priority areas for collaboration are:

  • Promoting African music, image and unique culture identity positively as a key driver of economic development, ensuring its role in job creation, revenue generation, and social cohesion;
  • Enhancing capacity-building programmes for artists, music professionals, and cultural entrepreneurs;
    Facilitating market access opportunities through platforms such as the ACCES Music Market;
  • Promoting gender inclusivity in the music industry to bring about equal opportunities for women and marginalised groups; and
  • Encouraging AU member states to firmly undertake the protection and promotion of music and cultural activities.

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Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF), an all-African non-profit organisation that supports African music sector and African Union Commission (AUC) have signed an agreement aimed at strengthening the African music sector, protecting artists and advancing the role of music in driving economic and sustainable development across the continent.“Music is a powerful force for unity and development. Through this partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting Africa’s creative sector, ensuring that music remains a critical tool for social transformation, economic progress, and cultural diplomacy,” says Minata Samate Cessouma, AU Commissioner.

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Eddie Hatitye, Executive Director of the Johannesburg (South Africa)-based MIAF, says, “This partnership with the AU is a defining moment for the African music industry. It provides a solid foundation for collaboration on key initiatives that addresses some of the continent’s toughest challenges.”

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Africa Forges Partnership to Promote Music as Driver of Socio-Economic DevelopmentWhile MIAF runs projects such as information dissemination, skills development, strategic advocacy, networking, collaborations, artist mobility, financing, research and market development, AUC supports African cultural and creative industries as part of Agenda 2063, which envisions a self-reliant, prosperous, and culturally vibrant Africa. Through various programmes, AUC champions policies that enhance the growth and sustainability of Africa’s music and creative sectors.