Global Creative Summit expands regional partnerships at Mozambique creative industries market

Held in Maputo from 30 July to 1 August, the event brought together policymakers, creative entrepreneurs, artists and cultural organisations from across the continent to discuss collaboration, trade and the development of Africa's creative economy.

The South African delegation participated in policy discussions, business networking sessions, creative showcases and partnership meetings aimed at expanding opportunities for artists and creative businesses across Africa.

One of the key discussions focused on The Creative Economy and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with participants from Global Creative Summit, Mpumalanga Fashion Week, Reliable Plug, Simunye Fest and MICMZ examining how Africa’s cultural and creative industries can become more resilient and economically sustainable by 2030.

According to GCS, participants identified limited market access as one of the biggest obstacles facing the continent's creative industries, despite Africa’s growing international reputation in music, fashion, visual arts, film and design.

The organisation said achieving the African Union’s vision for the creative economy and the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals would require increased investment in initiatives that improve cross-border collaboration, cultural exchange and commercial opportunities.

GCS called for greater public and private sector investment in areas including export support, regional mobility programmes, creative infrastructure, sustainable funding mechanisms and market development to help African creatives compete internationally.

The discussions also featured contributions from representatives of Makoti Festival in eSwatini, Black Crown Music in South Africa, Brazilian creative practitioner Rodrigo, recording artist Ntunja, represented by KS Musique Agency, and cultural practitioners from Mozambique.

As part of the official MICMZ showcase programme, GCS facilitated performances by South African artists Nicholen and Ntunja at the Gil Vicente Theatre, representing South Africa during the festival's live performance programme.

Beyond the conference sessions, the delegation held bilateral meetings exploring future collaborations across Southern Africa. Among the proposals discussed was a tri-national fashion showcase involving Mozambique, South Africa and Lesotho, scheduled for September 2026.

The organisation also explored future partnerships with The Bassline and Gil Vicente Theatre in Mozambique, as well as Lounge 23:53 in eSwatini. According to GCS, the discussions focused on developing regional touring circuits, showcase platforms and artist exchange programmes.

In a statement issued after the event, the organisation said the outcomes reinforced the importance of regional cooperation in expanding opportunities for African creatives and strengthening cross-border participation in the continent's cultural and creative industries.

GCS said it would continue working with partners in Mozambique, South Africa, Lesotho, eSwatini and other African countries to implement initiatives aimed at improving market access and supporting long-term growth within the creative sector.