The Global Creative Summit (GCS) concluded its participation in the inaugural Mozambique Cultural and Creative Industries Market (MICMZ) by strengthening regional partnerships and advocating for greater market access for African creatives.
Held in Maputo from 30 July to 1 August, the event convened policymakers, artists, entrepreneurs and cultural organisations from across the continent to discuss collaboration, trade and the development of Africa’s creative economy.
Creative economy and sustainable development
A key session, “The Creative Economy and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” saw GCS, Mpumalanga Fashion Week, Reliable Plug, Simunye Fest and MICMZ examine how to make the continent’s cultural and creative industries more resilient and economically sustainable by 2030.
Participants identified limited market access as one of the biggest obstacles facing the sector, despite Africa’s growing international reputation in music, fashion, visual arts, film and design. GCS stressed that achieving the African Union‘s vision and the UN Sustainable Development Goals requires increased investment in cross-border collaboration, cultural exchange and commercial opportunities.
The organisation called for public and private sector backing in areas such as export support, regional mobility programmes, creative infrastructure, sustainable funding mechanisms and market development to help African creatives compete globally.
Voices from the region
Discussions also featured contributions from eSwatini’s Makoti Festival, South Africa’s Black Crown Music, Brazilian creative practitioner Rodrigo, recording artist Ntunja (represented by KS Musique Agency), and cultural practitioners from Mozambique.
Showcases and future collaborations
As part of the official MICMZ programme, GCS facilitated performances by South African artists Nicholen and Ntunja at the Gil Vicente Theatre.
Beyond the conference, 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, and Lounge 23:53 in eSwatini, focusing on developing regional touring circuits, showcase platforms and artist exchange programmes.
GCS 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. The organisation will 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.
