Dear friends and supporters of the MIAF. It is with immense gratitude that I address you as the Chairperson of the MIAF in this annual report. I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation for the trust you have placed in me to lead the Board for another term. The MIAF Board plays a pivotal role in the governance of the Foundation, providing strategic direction and oversight that has been instrumental in the organisation’s remarkable achievements over the past decade. Our commitment to good governance and unwavering support for the MIAF’s mission have been the cornerstones of our success.

As stewards of the Foundation,we take our role seriously, working to ensure that the MIAF remains true to its core principles and values. The MIAF’s work across the African continent is not just critical – it is transformative. It has now been a decade of dedication to uplift the African music industry, and the impact of our initiatives has become increasingly evident. We are proud of our role in fostering meaningful exchanges and development within the African music sector, and we are committed to continuing this journey for many more years to come.

The Music In Africa portal is expanding its digital and analog footprint at a notable rate. With over 3 million online followers, more than 42 000 active music professionals and a wealth of educational articles, it has become a vital resource for music enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

Our portfolio of real-world projects remains impressive. I am particularly excited by our prolonged focus on the Gender@Work project, which aligns perfectly with our efforts to address the alarming gender disparity in the African music industry. The ACP-EU funded SCF initiative continues to demonstrate our commitment and competency in formulating and implementing interventions of all shapes and sizes across the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in Africa. The remarkable successes reported in our recently concluded projects, namely Music In Africa Live (MIALive) and the Revenue Streams For African Musicians (RSFAM) programme, demonstrate our unwavering commitment and diligent work ethic. I am excited about the future and the prospect
of the MIAF’s continued growth and impact. I want to take this opportunity to invite you all to continue with your interest in the work of the Foundation, and to support us as we continue to strive for lasting positive change in the sector

Appreciation
I would like to express our gratitude and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the former chairperson Yusuf Mahmoud and outgoing board members Faisal Kiwewa, Adé Bantu and Ghita Khaldi. Your dedication and support have been instrumental in shaping the MIAF’s success.

I want to extend the Board’s appreciation to all our stakeholders, in particular Siemens Stiftung and Goethe-Institut, our founding partners and principal funders. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Executive Director Eddie Hatitye for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the MIAF’s mission.

To our amazing staff, fellow board members and advisory committee members, thank you for your unending commitment to the work
of the Foundation. There would be no 10-year celebration without all your hard work and dedication.

Miss Maimouna Dembélé – Chairperson