Yesterday marked a significant milestone for African creativity, as a private reception hosted by the U.S. Consulate in Nigeria unfolded, drawing together a distinguished group of industry experts and visionaries. The event celebrated the official launch of the second edition of the Africa Creative Market (ACM) and emphasized its core mission to empower African creatives by providing the blueprint for establishing commercially viable and sustainable business models.
The gathering was graced by Herbert Wigwe, the CEO of Access Bank and founder of the How Foundation, a passionate advocate for uplifting young creatives. Yvonne Victor-Olomu, the COO of the How Foundation and Programs Director of Wigwe University, stood alongside him, both dedicated to providing opportunities for emerging talents.
Dr Inya Lawal, the visionary founder of Africa Creative Market, captured the spotlight with her unwavering commitment to the creative industry. ACM was born from her passion for empowering creatives, and it has become a beacon of hope for countless emerging talents seeking to establish themselves in the creative sector.
Will Stevens, the Charge D’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, lent an international perspective to the event, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between African creativity and the global stage. His presence underscored the international recognition and support for ACM’s initiatives.
Bada Akintunde Johnson, co-founder of Africa Creative Market and the country manager for Paramount Africa, shared Dr. Inya Lawal’s vision and was instrumental in bringing it to life. His collaborative efforts with Dr. Lawal had been instrumental in shaping ACM into a powerful platform that aimed to uplift young creatives and facilitate value exchange between Africa’s creative sector and the world.
The evening was a celebration of African creativity, and networking opportunities galore. It was a testament to the potential for collaboration, innovation, and transformation within the creative sector. The launch of ACM’s second edition was not just an event; it represented a vital step toward the realisation of ACM’s mission to uplift African creatives, offer them guidance in building sustainable businesses, and provide them with a global platform to showcase their talents.