- Creative Africa Exchange forum CAX WKND 2020 is officially the most extensive network for African creatives
- Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) announces a $500-million donation to support the production and trade of African cultural and creative products over the next two years.
- African art could become an asset class. The critical phrase is bankability- Dr Ramson Owano
- In 2018 CAX came into existence during IATF
- During the conference, a $190 million deal was signed between Afreximbank and Made in Africa for the acquisition of a leading African textile manufacturing company with PAC Capital Limited as the leading financial advisor and fund arranger for the transaction.
- CAX will be the platform for African creatives to get their brands out to the world
Creative Africa Exchange CAX WKND 2020
The Creative Africa Exchange Weekend (CAX WKND) officially took over Kigali, Rwanda last weekend. CAX WKND, Africa’s premier continental event committed to promoting the creative and cultural industry. Not to mention, CAX WKND came together because of work put together by Times Multimedia with generous sponsorship by African Export, Import Bank (Afrexim Bank) alongside other partners.
Kigali welcomed African creatives from across the world playing host to the first edition of the Creative Africa Exchange forum. Uniquely, CAX Africa is a consolidated market place for the creative and cultural industry in Africa. Important to realize, the event was powered by Afreximbank with headline sponsor, AITEO anchored on by IATF Intra-African Trade Fair. Professor Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, was in attendance with other high-profile dignitaries including Dr Ramson from AITEO.
Notably, Artist, Bou Bou alongside Senegalese musician Kya Loum opened the show after which South Africa’s Jo.an Siki added oomph with an intense performance at the Intare Arena.
In an opening speech by Prof. Benedict Oramah, he told guest-
“Creative industries can be potent vehicles for more equitable, sustainable and inclusive growth strategies for African economies,”
Prof. Benedict Oramah
In spite of the enormous pool of talent in Africa, the president noted that the continent lacked the infrastructure and capacity to commercialize its creative talent and harvest the benefits from it.
CAX WKND KIGALI, RWANDA
Correspondingly, Hon Minister Rosemary Mbabazi of the Rwanda Ministry of Youths and Sports asked the question;
“How do we turn passion into profit”? Indeed she continued by pointing out, an understanding of the African ecosystem will play a significant role. And, with all these coming together will be able to help us support the African creative industry.
Similarly, in a welcome speech by Dr Ramson Owano, MD AITEO Power and Gas Company, he pointed out that, African art could become an asset class. Not to mention, the critical phrase being bankability. Again, Dr Ramson asked the question; “How do you propagate and protect your talent” ? How do you move from an SME to make real money? This conference should be able to say a rising tide should lead all boats he continued.
How do you monetize the experience? That’s the purpose of CAX.
Panel Discussion: Supporting the growth and development of the creative and cultural industries in Africa.
In effect, day one of CAX WKND kicked off with a Panel discussion. The discussion was moderated by CNN correspondent Eleni Giokos. Panellist included British fashion designer, Oswald Boateng, together with Fashion designer Alphadi. Not to mention Kanayo Awani MD Intra African Trade Initiative (Afreximbank). Again, Olivia Laouchez Chairman and CEO Trace, as well as Jose Da Silva President Sony Music Entertainment Côte d’Ivoire.
