Dear Members, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and pride as I write my final address as Chairperson of the MIAF after six years of service on the Board. Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me to help lead this important journey.

Our world faces increasing challenges, from political crises, to climate change and economic instability. These challenges negatively impact cultural and creative industries (CCIs), especially on the African continent, where funding for culture is traditionally limited. Yet, culture remains our enduring thread, a cornerstone of our shared identity and a bridge across differences.

In this context, the MIAF’s role is more crucial than ever. We are dedicated to making a positive impact on the continent through music, safeguarding Africa’s rich musical heritage while fostering innovation and growth in the industry.

I am proud to share some key highlights from the year under review. Our Gender@Work programme expanded to offer a business course for women in music, with our 2023 trainees completing their training in Dar es Salaam. This year, the MIAF is introducing the Gender Equality Pledge, which will unify music stakeholders across Africa to collectively address gender disparity.

I am also pleased to report that we concluded the implementation of the Sound Connects Fund (SCF) this year. Since its launch in 2021, the SCF provided essential financial support and training to arts organisations across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Over a 40-month period, the SCF disbursed €2,819,000 to 36 organisations, reached 2,650 beneficiaries, and impacted over 20 million audiences worldwide.

We also launched the CREATIFI research project with the World Bank Group in Mozambique and expanded our Instrument Building and Repair (IBR) project in South Africa to include an exciting exhibition of indigenous instruments and an export programme for music stakeholders.

More importantly, we developed and began implementing our ten-year strategy this year. This strategy prioritises sustainability for the Foundation while addressing some of the sector’s most pressing challenges. The MIAF will continue to play an important role in the African music sector and I am confident that our enhanced strategy will enable us to deliver on all our key objectives.

Appreciation
I want to extend heartfelt thanks to our outgoing Board members for their invaluable contributions. To our founding partners, Siemens Stiftung and Goethe-Institut, we owe much of our success to your unwavering support. My deepest gratitude goes to Eddie Hatitye, our Executive Director, for his visionary leadership, as well as to the MIAF staff and advisory committee members for their dedication.

As I pass on the torch, I am confident that the MIAF will continue to grow in impact and reach. Thank you for standing with us on this journey.