The African Union Commission on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, signed a partnership agreement with Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF), a non-profit organization dedicated to using developmental projects to supporting the African music sector. This partnership is aimed at strengthening the African music sector, protecting artists and advancing its role in driving economic and sustainable development.

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 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. The following are some of the key priority areas:

• 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;
• Enhancing capacity-building programmes for artists, music professionals, and cultural entrepreneurs;
• Facilitating market access opportunities through platforms such as the ACCES Music Market;
• Promoting gender inclusivity in the music industry to bring about equal opportunities for women and marginalized groups;
• Encouraging AU member states to firmly undertake the protection and promotion of music and cultural activities.

H.E Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma, AU Commissioner highlighted how important this partnership is to both organization. "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, the Executive Director of MIAF emphasized MIAF’s role in advancing the sustainable development in Africa through music. "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.’’

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For further information, please contact:

Ms. Angela Martins| Ag. Director | Directorate of  Social Development, Culture and Sport | African Union Commission | E-mail:MartinsA@africa-union.org   

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mr. King David Cartey | Strategic Communication Expert | Health, Humanitarian Affairs & Social Development I African Union Commission | E-mail: CarteyD@africa-union.org

Ms. Violet Maila | Projects Manager| Music In Africa Foundation E-mail: violet@musicinafrica.net

Ms. Faith Adhiambo Ochiang | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail:  GamalK@african-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,