Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF), the pan-African non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the African music sector, on Tuesday announced the signing of a historic partnership agreement with the African Union Commission (AUC).
The partnership, signed on January 29, in Addis Ababa, is aimed at strengthening the African music sector, protecting artists and advancing the role of music in driving economic and sustainable development in Africa.
As part of the agreement, the AU and MIAF aim to play a strategic role in amplifying the reach and impact of Africa’s music and culture industry 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.
Eddie Hatitye, the executive director of MIAF told Standard Style that by working together, MIAF and the African Union Commission aim to create an environment where African musicians and industry professionals have better access to resources, knowledge, and opportunities.
“This partnership will help address key industry challenges, from capacity building to fairer policies, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and globally competitive African music sector. The Music In Africa Foundation will be unpacking a number of practical initiatives that will benefit from the combined efforts of our two organisations,” he added.
AUC is the executive branch of the African Union (AU), responsible for driving the continent’s integration and development agenda.
It 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.
- MIAF and AU Commission seal historic partnership
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The partnership has identified several key priority areas to drive the development of the African music sector.
These include promoting African music as a key driver of economic development, enhancing capacity-building programs for artists and music professionals, and facilitating market access opportunities.
Additionally, the partnership aims to promote gender inclusivity, encourage AU member states to protect and promote music and cultural activities, and ensure equal opportunities for women and marginalised groups, ultimately contributing to job creation, revenue generation, and social cohesion.
Minata Samate Cessouma, the AU Commissioner, highlighted the importance of the partnership to both organisations.
“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, “she said.
Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, MIAF runs a wide range of developmental projects in areas such as information dissemination, skills development, strategic advocacy, networking, collaborations, artist mobility, financing, research, and market development.
