Global Courant
In May, the Africa Soft Power Summit returned to Kigali, Rwanda for its second “physical world” summit in what represents the highest level for Africa’s creative and tech industries, as well as female leadership.
Over five action-packed days, leading voices and bright minds from public and private sector organizations, as well as pioneering individuals from business, finance, law, media, technology, sports, arts, entertainment, academia, philanthropy and politics discussed in clear terms the establishment and support of a more modern – and equal – African voice on the world stage.
“From political participation to corporate leadership opportunities and even boardroom talks, there is a need for greater representation, inclusion and acceptance of African women and culture is no excuse,” said Ozonnia Ojielo, Resident Coordinator and UN Secretary-General’s Representative to Rwanda . Ozonnia believes that only a concerted change in attitudes, policies and implementation, leveraging the rich knowledge and experiences of African women, will put the continent on the path of sustainable progress.
Rwanda stands out globally for its efforts to promote gender equality and women’s participation. Almost two-thirds of parliamentary seats and 52 percent of cabinet positions are held by women. Claire Akamanzi, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board says the impressive results are due to strong political commitment and accountability at the institutional level. “I remember when our president was asked why he enjoyed leading one of the most pro-women’s countries in the world for empowering women. His answer, simple but profound, was, “How do you expect to maximize output if you leave out about half of your active population?” she added.
Delegates at the Africa Soft Power Summit.
The RAW Women’s Leadership Conference, powered by African Women on Board, featured both leading female and male voices at the first edition of this year’s Summit, with conversations aimed at pushing the reset button in traditional gender discourse.
Christopher OH Williams, President of Enda Athletic Inc. believes that greater gains can be made if the continent takes full advantage of private sector resources, strategies and innovative funding mechanisms to create an inclusive investment environment that addresses the funding gap faced by women entrepreneurs. He would later tell the inspiring story of Enda, Africa’s only running shoe company.
In 2050, Africa will be home to a quarter of the world’s population. This unprecedented population growth will affect virtually all sectors of the continent’s economy. How can the continent harness its soft power and use its growing population as an economic resource for significant progress and prosperity?
As the Creative and Innovative Industries conference shines a spotlight on African creative industries to drive growth and returns on the continent, Tariro Washe, Filmmaker/Managing Director, Meso Mavir, claimed that a unified currency and seamless mobility will make a major change in the unification of the African continent for shared prosperity.
“A further $4.2 billion could go to the African economy and nearly 600,000 new jobs created if we could better connect each other by air,” said Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC).
Partners for this year’s Africa Soft Power Summit include Templars, Open Society Foundations, Ford Foundation, Bank of Industry, United Nations Rwanda, EXP, FCMVA, Africa Prosperity Network, Africa Legal Associates, Africa Women on Board, BellaNaija, Trace, NewsCentral, African Business, Asaase Radio, Basketball Africa League, among others.
Excited about the significant progress made since the establishment of Africa Soft Power, founder and creative director, Nkiru Balonwu, said the summit will continue to inspire greater collaboration between the creative and financial industries, public and private, individual entrepreneurs and companies, and beyond .
“The creative, digital and knowledge economies emerging today offer the best opportunities to generate future growth for our young people. It is our desire to continuously leverage soft power and strategic partnerships to more accurately communicate modern Africa on the global stage,” added Balonwu.
Participants in the Africa Soft Power Summit.
The Summit’s programming concluded with a masterclass for photographers and interested creatives on linking creative endeavors to commercial viability, delivered by Illume Creative Studios and the Business of Photography. A workshop on “Youth Power & Building Movements: Security, Climate Change, & DEI” also included the announcement of the inaugural Climate Change Photo Essay Prize – a collaboration between Africa Soft Power & African Women on Board, as part of the Road to Campaign 100 million climate soldiers in Africa.
Africa Soft Power is not slowing down anytime soon – with plans such as designing climate education programs and global media campaigns that will directly address Africans, especially young people, and those in the diaspora community; upcoming photo prize exhibitions in New York, London and Lagos, and side events alongside UNGA and COP28.
As the organization continues to drive conversations and projects aimed at optimizing the continent’s creative economy and fostering connections between Africa and the diaspora community, it is clear that ASP’s vision to more accurately communicate the continent on the global stage is one that requires a concerted effort.
Feature by Africa Soft Power.
