The Africa Connex – Business Leader series is set to be held for the first time next Tuesday in Johannesburg, South Africa, with a conversation with designer, Prince Sonwabile Ndamase (pictured), who is best known for designing the iconic Madiba shirt for the late former South African President, Nelson Mandela.
This was disclosed today in a statement issued today by Africa Business Inc, the organisers of the event.
“An ambassador of the African fashion aesthetic, and trailblazer in unearthing and exposing African design talent for local and global stages, this conversation allows us to explore the impact of the creative industries in building the fabric of our cultural identities while providing economic opportunities to many,” read part of the statement.
The organisers described the event as a timely conversation as South Africa marks 30 years of liberation and continues to deal with resolving issues of improving the prosperity of its citizens, as well as eradicating social and income inequality, that plague many African countries.
The global creative economy, which is valued at $2 trillion in size, is considered one of the key levers that Africa can use to provide significant revenue for small businesses and employment opportunities, especially for women and youth.
Africa Business Inc cited an International Finance Corporation (IFC) report which states: “Creative industries account for nearly 50 million jobs worldwide, according to UN estimates. About half of these workers are women, and these industries employ more people aged 15-29 than any other sector.”
This age group accounts for approximately 20 percent of the African population, which is significant given the challenges of absorbing this growing cohort of income earners into the current structure of the formal economy.
“We deliberately chose to launch this Africa Business Connex – Business Leader series with conversations focused on the creative industries, as we recognise their ability to create employment opportunities for many through the creation of small to large enterprises,” Africa Business Inc Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Lebohang Noruwana-Mkhize explained.
“Increasing access to technology and global markets is driving the rapid growth of the creative industry on the African continent. This is evident in the growth and global impact of the music, film, arts, design, content creators, furniture, fashion, accessories and other sub-sectors,” she said.
The sector generates around US$4.2billion annually in Africa, and entrepreneurs that leverage the power of technology and collaboration are reaping rewards.
Scheduled to commence at 1730 hours, the event is also expected to feature upcoming social entrepreneur, Matseliso Morobela, who is the founder of Katiba Africa, a business that is focused on protecting and modernising the traditional craft of grass weaving found in Africa. Specialising in creating works of art through collaborating with weavers from Lesotho and beaders in South Africa, Matseliso is driven by stimulating the rural economy.
The event is expected to be live-streamed to an audience of entrepreneurs across Africa and the diaspora.
Africa Business Inc is an organisation that is committed to fostering business growth, collaboration and innovation across the African continent and diaspora.