The Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) and the African Union Commission (AUC) have signed a historic partnership agreement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on January 29, 2025, in a landmark move set to revolutionize Africa’s music industry.
The agreement, signed in Addis Ababa, aims to strengthen Africa’s music sector, protect artists, and leverage music as a tool for economic and sustainable development.
The partnership aligns with Agenda 2063, the African Union’s blueprint for a self-reliant and prosperous Africa.
Both MIAF and the AUC have committed to strategic interventions in key areas to enhance cultural exchanges and promote Africa’s diverse music industry globally.
The agreement outlines several key priorities, including: Promoting African music and cultural identity as a driver of economic growth, job creation, and social cohesion; Enhancing capacity-building programs for artists, music professionals, and cultural entrepreneurs; Facilitating market access opportunities through platforms like the ACCES Music Market.
Encouraging gender inclusivity in the music industry, ensuring equal opportunities for women and marginalized groups; and Urging AU member states to support policies that protect and promote African music and cultural activities.
Speaking at the signing, H.E. Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma, AU Commissioner, emphasized the significance of music as a force for unity and development.
“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.”
Echoing this vision, Mr. Eddie Hatitye, Executive Director of MIAF, highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing key challenges facing Africa’s creative sector.
“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 address some of the continent’s toughest challenges.”
The Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) is a pan-African non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and developing the African music sector.
Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, the foundation runs projects in areas such as skills development, advocacy, networking, collaborations, artist mobility, and market development.
The African Union Commission (AUC), as the executive arm of the African Union (AU), is responsible for driving Africa’s integration and development agenda.
The AUC actively champions policies that promote Africa’s cultural and creative industries, ensuring their role in shaping a vibrant and prosperous future for the continent.
This agreement marks a new chapter for the African music industry, setting the stage for a more sustainable, inclusive, and globally recognized creative sector.
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