Unleashing Africa's Entertainment Soft Power on the World Stage

The panel will explore the intricate dynamics and economic considerations involved in bringing large African cultural movements to the global stage. The panelists will shed light on the impacts of these movements, including notable events like AfroNation, Afrofuture, AfriconLA, Afropunk, Afrotech, and more, with a particular focus on their influence on diaspora relations. We will delve into the impact on remittances, travel and tourism, investment, and cross-cultural exchange, and seek to understand how these movements are reshaping connections between the African diaspora and the continent. Additionally, we will discuss strategies to harness the momentum generated by these cultural phenomena for the purpose of fostering long-term engagement and investment in Africa. The panel will provide valuable insights into the intricate economic and cultural web woven by these movements and their potential to shape the future of diaspora relations with Africa.

The past few years has seen a renewed focus on African arts on the global stage: Afrobeats, Nollywood on global streaming platforms, African fashion being shown at various global fashion weeks and carried by global retailers. How can African brands leverage this momentum to build sustainable (economically and ethically) business models that enable their products to be accessible to local and global clientele and withstand the test of time? What are the opportunities to innovate across the value chain and what unique competitive advantages do we have on the continent? This panel will dive into these questions through the lens of various ecosystem stakeholders - designers, retailers, investors, manufacturers - at the forefront of innovating African fashion and bringing it to the global stage

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The inaugural showcase will spotlight artisanal talent from across the continent via art, fashion, and cultural artifacts. Join us to engage with our phenomenal partner brands and celebrate the rich tapestry of African creativity.

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