African Union Commission and Music In Africa Foundation sign partnership deal
As part of the agreement, the AUC and MIAF aim to play a strategic role in amplifying the reach and impact of Africa’s music and culture industry
The Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) has signed a partnership agreement with the African Union Commission (AUC), which is aimed at strengthening the African music sector, protecting artistes and advancing the role of music in driving economic and sustainable development in Africa.
As part of the agreement, the AUC and MIAF aim to play a strategic role in amplifying the reach and impact of Africa’s music and culture industry. The two entities aim to achieve this through a range of interventions in key areas to enhance cultural exchanges and foster unity, in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 objectives.
Among the key priority areas include promoting African music, image and unique culture identity positively, as a key driver of economic development, ensuring its role in job creation, revenue generation, and social cohesion.
Signed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the partnership also seeks to enhance capacity-building programmes for artistes, music professionals, and cultural entrepreneurs, and also facilitate market access opportunities through platforms such as the ACCES Music Market.
It also seeks to promote gender inclusivity in the music industry to bring about equal opportunities for women and marginalised groups, and encourage AU member states to firmly undertake the protection and promotion of music and cultural activities.
“Music is a powerful force for unity and development. Through this partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting Africa’s creative sector, ensuring that music remains a critical tool for social transformation, economic progress, and cultural diplomacy,” said AU Commissioner Minata Samate Cessouma.
MIAF Executive Director Eddie Hatitye emphasised MIAF’s role in advancing the sustainable development in Africa through music. He said: “This partnership with the AU is a defining moment for the African music industry. It provides a solid foundation for collaboration on key initiatives that addresses some of the continent’s toughest challenges.’’
The Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) is a pan-African non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the African music sector. It runs a wide range of developmental projects in areas such as information dissemination, skills development, strategic advocacy, networking, collaborations, artiste mobility, financing, research, and market development.
The African Union Commission (AUC) is the executive branch of the African Union (AU), responsible for driving the continent’s integration and development agenda.
The AUC supports African cultural and creative industries as part of Agenda 2063, which envisions a self-reliant, prosperous, and culturally vibrant Africa. Through various programmes, the AUC champions policies that enhance the growth and sustainability of Africa’s music and creative sectors.
