For the third consecutive year, the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos has reaffirmed its commitment to the Africa Creative Market, aiming to strengthen the collaboration between the United States and Nigeria within the creative industry. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance partnerships and drive innovation in Africa’s burgeoning creative economy.
Founded by Dr. Inya Lawal, an alumna of the Fortune-U.S. Department of State Global Women’s Mentoring Partnership program, the Africa Creative Market serves as a platform for stakeholders from both African and international creative sectors to share ideas and explore innovative solutions that can accelerate the growth of Africa’s creative landscape.
Insights from U.S. Creative Industry Leaders
In a recent statement, the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos highlighted the participation of two notable leaders from the U.S. creative industry: Steffan Horowitz from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts and Dedren Snead, CEO of Atlanta-based SUBSUME Studios. Their involvement, supported by the U.S. Consulate, underscores the importance of cross-cultural exchange and collaboration.
During the conference, U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Julie McKay, along with Horowitz and Nigerian alumni of the Africa Creative TV exchange program, engaged in discussions about bridging the gap between African creatives and global audiences. Their insights proved invaluable for emerging filmmakers, producers, and content creators, offering fresh perspectives on the evolving landscape of the creative industry.
Workshops on Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Dedren Snead conducted a workshop focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the significant role of digital platforms in amplifying African narratives on a global scale. He emphasized how animation and gaming can be leveraged to create immersive cultural experiences that elevate African stories internationally.
In addition to these discussions, the Africa Creative Market hosted the AWE 2.0 Initiative, which brought together 150 alumnae of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs for a three-day program designed to enhance their digital skills and help scale their businesses. Snead actively interacted with the participants, reinforcing the U.S. government’s dedication to promoting women-led enterprises and equipping female entrepreneurs with the tools needed for success in the dynamic digital economy.
Strengthening Ties in the Creative Sector
U.S. Consul General Will Stevens praised the expanding collaboration between the U.S. and Nigeria’s creative industries. He remarked, “The United States recognizes the tremendous potential of the creative industries in driving growth, fostering prosperity, and creating economic opportunities.”
Stevens added that the U.S. Mission is committed to engaging with Nigeria’s creative industry leaders and innovators. He emphasized the importance of building a sustainable ecosystem that unlocks access to new markets and advances opportunities for mutual trade and investment within the creative sector.
The participation of U.S. industry leaders at the Africa Creative Market not only highlights the strengthening ties between the two countries but also underscores the diverse opportunities available in music, film, fashion, gaming, arts, technology, and professional and educational exchanges. This collaborative effort is poised to drive innovation and growth, ultimately benefiting both nations and their creative communities.