The stage is set for the yearly Africa Creative Market designed as a catalyst for growth in the creative economy. It is billed to hold from November 2-7 at 21st Century Technologies and Glover Memorial Hall Lagos respectively with focus on safeguarding intellectual property rights and harnessing the power of technology.

The event which serves as a global stage where Africa’s creative entrepreneurs can shine, whilst capturing the attention of a diverse and discerning audience, will bring together key players from the African and international creative industry, providing a platform for collaboration and innovation.

The 2023 ACM is in partnership with Paramount Africa, U.S. Consulate Lagos, 21st Century Technologies, Venture Garden Group, The HOW Foundation, WIGWE University, RivExcel, Global Tech Africa, TRAIL, NITDA, ALTA Global Media, FWIFT Nigeria, WIFT Africa, Festival Le Teranga, WIFT Senegal, The Luxury Network, The YD Company, Eden Venture Group, Lagos Continental, Glover Memorial, others.

This collaboration, the organisers of ACM said signifies the event’s growing global influence and commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth within the creative sector. “This gathering will not only celebrate the richness and diversity of African creativity but also offers a gateway to lucrative and fulfilling ventures for both local and international investors. With a focus on intellectual property and technology, the ACM is poised to revolutionise the creative industry, creating a lasting impact that extends far beyond the event itself.”

Speaking on expectations at the event, Founder of ACM, Inya Lawal said: “Our mission is to empower creatives to scale by providing a blueprint for establishing commercially viable and sustainable business models. The aim is to empower creatives in Africa and provide them with opportunities to scale their businesses, thus the 2023 ACM platform would as usual offer a wide range of opportunities and support for creatives in the region, including training programmes, investment opportunities, and access to trade finance. The event will focus on sectors such as Film/TV, Music, Fashion, and Dance, as well as sub-sectors like Advertising, Games, Cultural Education, Edutainment, VR/AR, and Photography.”

Also speaking, Country Manager for Paramount Africa in Nigeria, Bada Akintunde-Johnson, “the Africa Creative Market (ACM) is dedicated to strengthening Africa’s creative ecosystem for profitability, sustainability, and global recognition. ACM aims to create access to replicable models, structures, and the international market.”

Akintunde-Johnson also highlights the impact of MTV making the Video in training the first generation of music video directors in the early 2000s, which acted as a catalyst in transforming the industry. He emphasises ACM’s focus on training more individuals, sharing knowledge, teaching trade secrets, and facilitating networking opportunities. The ultimate goal is to showcase remarkable talents like Fireboy, Buju, Genevieve, Chimamanda, and others to the world.”

The 2023 ACM is supported by organisations such as Paramount Africa, MTVBase, U.S Consulate General Lagos, and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).