Ben Guerir – On the final day of the “Voice of Africa” event organized between October 10-14 by the Mohamed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Ben Guerir, the university shone a focus on the Cultural and Creative Industries, and their future in the African continent.
A panel discussion was devoted to examining the prospects presented by these industries to Africa’s growth.
“Technological breakthroughs, innovative materials and cutting-edge methodologies have a major role to play in the creation of artworks, cultural products, and unique experiences,” UM6P president Hicham El Habti said in his opening speech.
Advisor to King Mohammed VI Andre Azoulay, who was also present, spoke in his speech about the technological revolution, saying: “We’re in a historic moment of technological transition. We’re living through a great, rich revolution.”
Advisor to King Mohammed VI Andre Azoulay
Taking part in the panel discussion was Global Director at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) William Sonneborn who mentioned the most bankable areas in creative industries, namely audio visual, music, fashion, sports, technology, and creativity.
According to a recent poll, the creative industries employ more people between the ages of 15 and 30 than any other sector worldwide, according to Sonneborn.
Additionally, “74% of young people in Africa said they want to pursue a career in creative industries,” Sonneborn added.
Explaining the reason for investing in Africa, Managing Director at Sony Innovation Fund Antonio Avitabile revealed one of the key reasons for deciding to start investment, saying that there is “a lot of potential and talents in Africa.”
The director also accounted for choosing to invest with IFC because the latter “has made numerous investments in Africa and we don’t understand the geography yet.”
Panelists at the “Cultural and Creative Industries” seminar
Therefore, a partner like IFC which has a presence on the ground is knowledgeable about the specificities of the continent.
“What we want to do is not only to invest in companies but also bring our entertainment expertise to help the local start-ups to scale up,” Avitabile stated.
After the panel, El Habti spoke to Morocco World News, affirming that Africa wants to unleash the youth’s potential to monetize the cultural heritage.
“Africa has a great potential in monetizing all this cultural heritage,” said El Habti, stressing that to achieve this, “we need to unleash their [youth] potential thanks to initiatives like the one we have organized today.”
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