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The future of Africa’s cultural sector was on the front burner at the 3rd Moroccan Forum of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) where AFRIMA’s president, Mike Dada, joined other industry stakeholders for discussion.
Held from December 11-14, 2025 in Rabat, Morocco under the ‘High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI’ and hosted by HIBA Foundation, a cultural organisation established by the king, the event brought together policymakers, investors, cultural operators, academics and creative professionals from Senegal, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Belgium, Germany, France, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso and Quebec.
Over four days, the participants examined how African countries can strengthen their cultural ecosystems and increase the economic value of their creative industries.
Mr. Dada, a lawyer, Public Relations Consultant and creative economy expert, joined a major panel session themed: ‘Towards a Pan-African Federation of Cultural Operators: What Lessons Can Be Drawn From Past Experiences, and How Can We Project Forward’.
The conversation focused on how African countries can share knowledge, build stronger partnerships, and promote cultural exchange across borders.
Dada used the opportunity to highlight AFRIMA’s work with the African Union and how the awards platform has helped to project African music to a global audience. He also stressed the need for investment, training and collaboration to grow the continent’s cultural industries and provide more opportunities for young creatives.
“Africa’s creative industry is not just growing; it is becoming a powerful economic force. What we need now is stronger cooperation across the continent, better policies, and sustainable investment. If we can achieve that, our cultural sector will contribute far more to national development than it does today.
“This forum gives us the platform to exchange ideas, learn from global partners, and build a shared vision for African culture. Conversations like this help us understand what is working, what needs to change, and how we can move forward together as one creative continent.
“Through AFRIMA, we continue to promote African music, support young creatives and strengthen partnerships between countries. Our goal is to make sure African talent is visible, respected, exposed to global opportunities and celebrated everywhere,” he said.
As part of the event, Dada attended a special reception hosted by the Ambassador of France to Morocco, Mr Christophe Lecourtier where cultural leaders interacted and explored new partnership opportunities.
