Africa can be described as the home of creativity. Music, art, film, fashion, and all other forms of creative expression, have one thing in common: the ability to connect effectively and involve people through narrative.
The need to support the creative arts industry properly cannot be overemphasised and forums such as the Africa Soft Power Series definitely create a platform that engenders conversations necessary to address the needs of the industry.
The opening session – “Africa Now: Defining the Future” – featured a keynote speech by the French diplomat, author and global thought leader Rama Yade.
Ambassador Yade is the director of the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center and senior fellow for the Europe Center.
At the age of 30, she was appointed France’s deputy minister for foreign affairs and human rights. She was the first ever French minister for human rights and first woman of African descent to become a member of the French cabinet.
She was also France’s ambassador to UNESCO and was instrumental in the designation of World Heritage Site for Causses and Cévenne, two natural sites in Frances. She is the author of many books, including Blacks of France, Letter to the Youth and A Chronicle of Power.
After serving France, Ambassador Yade’s aim is to serve the African continent where she was born.
Visit the website for other unmissable sessions.
A month for Africa
The Africa Soft Power Project seeks to establish May as Africa Month. The series was launched specifically to coincide with UNESCO Africa World Heritage Day (5 May) and culminate on Africa Day (25 May), the anniversary of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity.
By establishing one month in the year to celebrate creative African and diasporan achievement, the project intends to normalise the continent’s inclusion in global conversations and make it a more regular (and familiar) fixture.
“We are excited to be a part of the global community highlighting the history of Africa Day and bringing new energy to its recognition through Africa Month,” says Uzodinma Iweala, chief executive officer of the Africa Center, based in Harlem, New York City.
“At a time when African voices on the continent and throughout the diaspora continue to push forward the dialogue about what is possible for Africa and its people, there is no better moment than now for us to turn our attention towards each other and to tangible ways of collaborating and building closer connections that benefit us all.”
Yofi Grant
* The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) is collaborating with the Africa Soft Power Project for Africa Month
* Asaase Radio 99.5 – tune in or log on to broadcasts online
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