By GPC Correspondent
Swiss sportswear brand On and Rolling Stones Africa have launched the Voices in Motion Creative Summit, bringing together industry players to explore how authentic African storytelling can shape culture and create economic opportunities.
The summit aims to foster collaboration among creatives and industry experts while examining ways to strengthen the visibility of African talent and connect local stories with global audiences.
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Africa’s creative sector is valued at $60 billion and is projected to reach $200 billion by 2030, presenting significant opportunities for economic growth, cultural exchange and global influence.
The sector has gained international recognition through African music, fashion, sport and contemporary culture, increasingly influencing global trends and reshaping how the continent is represented internationally.
In Kenya, the creative economy contributes 5.6 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) and provides employment opportunities, particularly for young people and women, according to figures attributed to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).
The government has set a target of increasing the sector’s contribution to 10 per cent of GDP through policy support, institutional reforms, including the proposed Creative Economy Bill, and public-private partnerships.
However, stakeholders say unlocking the sector’s full potential requires platforms that amplify authentic African voices, encourage collaboration and connect local creatives to international markets.
Speaking at the summit, On’s Director of Africa, Navalayo Osembo, said the initiative would provide a platform for collaboration and help increase the visibility of African creative talent.
“By bringing together diverse voices from across the industry, the initiative aims to encourage collaboration and support the continued growth and visibility of African creative talent,” she said.
“It is our goal to provide an environment where these conversations happen as we change the story of how Africa is told across the globe.”
Summit targets sustainable opportunities for creatives
As Africa’s creative economy continues to evolve, the summit will examine the challenges facing artists and other industry professionals while exploring opportunities for collaboration, growth and innovation.
Discussions will focus on how investment in the sector can help creatives turn their talent into sustainable livelihoods and viable businesses.
Through engagements with industry leaders, Voices in Motion will also explore how authentic storytelling can amplify African perspectives across sport, music and culture.
The week-long engagement is expected to give participants opportunities to build professional networks, exchange ideas and establish meaningful connections across the creative industry.
Spotlight on African stories
The initiative comes amid growing interest in African creative talent and the continent’s influence on global culture.
By bringing together voices from different parts of the industry, the summit seeks to advance discussions on the future of African creativity and the role storytelling can play in shaping how the continent is experienced and understood around the world.
It also aims to highlight the importance of creating opportunities for African creatives to tell their own stories, influence cultural narratives and translate their work into economic value.
