Selam announces start of CfCA advocacy campaign

CfCA is an initiative implemented by Selam in partnership with the African Union. Its aim is to reshape perceptions and drive positive change in the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) throughout Africa.

The launch will form part of Selam’s Africa Day celebrations in partnership with Addis Jazz Festival at African Jazz Village on 25 and 26 May.

“Partnering with the Addis Jazz Festival for the Africa Day celebration underscores CfCA’s commitment to promoting the socio-economic potential of the culture sector,” Selam said. “By showcasing local and regional musicians, this collaboration kicks off CfCA’s advocacy efforts, raising awareness and fostering appreciation for African culture. The event is an ideal platform to amplify the narrative shift from policymakers and increase visibility for positive dialogues in the culture sector, reaching a wider audience. Africa Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the initiative and the culture sector in general.”

CfCA’s advocacy campaign aims for increased budget allocation and public funding for the CCIs. The advocacy campaign is focused on lobbying African member states to allocate a minimum of 1% of their national budget to the arts, culture and heritage sectors by 2030. Through research, data publication and policy recommendations, the CfCA aims to drive substantive progress in resource allocation towards cultural development.

A press conference on 24 May will include presentations by CfCA ambassadors, leveraging their influence to broaden the campaign’s reach and advocate for enhanced public funding in the culture sector. These ambassadors will also articulate the significance of increased public investment in culture, fostering awareness and garnering support for CfCA’s mission.

Simultaneously, CfCA will host a regional network meeting, bringing together national coordinators and researchers from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Uganda. The meeting will seek to facilitate discussions on the progress of ongoing baseline studies regarding public investment in the culture sector. Moreover, it will aim to strengthen collaboration, the exchange of best practices and reinforce CfCA's network.

Selam executive director Teshome Wondimu expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasising its alignment with CfCA’s broader goal of reshaping perceptions regarding the culture sector’s economic, creative and social contributions.

“We are grateful to the musicians who have joined CfCA as ambassadors,” Wondimu said, highlighting the pivotal role of artists in advocating for policy reforms and increased funding. “These efforts are crucial for enhancing the production, marketing and distribution of cultural goods, amplifying their impact globally.”

The upcoming event builds upon CfCA’s recent achievements, including a successful regional network meeting in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and the establishment of national working groups in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda and Ethiopia.