The Africa Re-imagined Creative Hub led by the African Union under its Agenda 2063 is currently underway at the African Union Conference Centre in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where the AU headquarters are situated. The focus is on Arts Culture Chapter, which is aimed at developing the identity, heritage, arts and culture chapter for Agenda 2063.
The project commenced today, 20th May and will end off on Africa Day, 25th May.
The AU chairperson Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma asked renowned South African conscious songstress Simphiwe Dana to gather Pan-African artists to write the Arts Culture Chapter for Agenda 2063 which is a shared strategic framework for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
According to Simphiwe Dana, the idea was to choose at least three artists from the continent and diaspora but instead invited one hundred to be part of the project.
The focal point of the gathering is to share thoughts on Africa which in return will benefit African generations to come.
It has been long overdue for organisations like the AU emphasizing the Arts into their framework. Through art we learn more about each other and our shared history which restores our strengths and unifies us as citizens of Africa. Using art as a vehicle to tell and promote our story, as well as carry on the aspirations of a united Africa whose vision in 2063 is to proudly uphold our rich African culture and heritage.
The overall objective of the Agenda 2063 exercise is to develop a plan which will chart Africa’s development trajectory over the next 50 years. Agenda 2063 will clearly delineate the roles of each stakeholder such as RECs, Member States, Civil Society and private sector. It will benefit from experiences of previous plans such the Lagos Plan of Action, the Abuja Treaty and NEPAD.
It is expected that a dedicated implementation of the plan will significantly transform the continent.
Dr. Dlamini-Zuma and team are doing a phenomenal job in recognising the role arts and culture play in the unification and promoting of our heritage at large. Just like other aspects like sport, through art, we are able to identify and learn more about ourselves as Africans, where we have come from and what we are about and most importantly, where we are heading.
This project is one of its kind and I certainly believe in its core objectives. An inclusive project for African creatives.
This platform is another sign of Africa Rising. One step at a time. If you're not about Africa Rising, you don't know what you're missing! ;)
Photo Credit: African Union