The humid air of Lagos, Nigeria, hung heavy with anticipation as the 2nd Création Africa Forum commenced. More than just a cultural event, the gathering – meticulously orchestrated by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Maison des Mondes Africains (MansA) and supported by the Team France Fund for Creation (FEF-Création) – represents a deliberate, albeit subtly packaged, recalibration of France’s approach to its longstanding partnership with Africa. The forum's location in Lagos, a global hub for innovation and a rapidly expanding creative economy, highlights a strategic shift away from traditional aid models toward fostering economic engagement through cultural industries. This move, coupled with recent investments and announcements, reveals a France actively seeking to redefine its influence within a continent grappling with economic transformation and shifting geopolitical alliances.
The Création Africa Forum’s core mission – to stimulate the development of African cultural and creative industries – is superficially aligned with a widely held view of cultural exchange’s potential for economic growth and social cohesion. However, deeper analysis reveals a calculated attempt to leverage Africa’s burgeoning creative sector, particularly in areas like immersive technologies, sustainable design, and audiovisual formats, as a conduit for French economic and political interests. The event’s programming, encompassing round tables, masterclasses, and business meetings, specifically targets these areas, recognizing their potential as growth sectors and avenues for French companies to secure contracts and investment.
The event’s genesis in 2023, following the launch of MansA in Paris, demonstrates a shift in operational strategy. MansA, designed as a cultural hub for African diasporas and a bridge between Europe and Africa, acts as a focal point for showcasing and circulating African talent. The Lagos forum expands this network, aiming to create a more decentralized ecosystem of collaboration and knowledge transfer. As stated by a representative of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, “We recognize that Africa's creative potential is not solely a matter of cultural exchange; it's a key engine for economic diversification and technological advancement.” This statement underscores a pragmatic understanding of Africa's evolving economic landscape.
Recent data from the World Bank highlights a troubling trend: reliance on primary commodity exports remains a significant factor in many African economies. Simultaneously, digital economy growth, particularly in creative sectors, is outpacing traditional industries in several nations. This divergence creates an opportunity for France, through initiatives like Création Africa, to foster a more balanced economic relationship. Furthermore, the Forum's focus on immersive technologies aligns with France's own strategic investments in this area, reflecting a desire to establish a leadership position within the next generation of digital industries.
Key stakeholders in this endeavor include not only France but also a growing number of African nations, particularly those with ambitious national creative economies – Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, and Kenya – alongside international investors seeking to capitalize on the continent's potential. The Team France Fund for Creation (FEF-Création), launched in 2023, is already supporting joint projects in over 15 African countries, providing critical financial backing and accelerating the development of local creative ecosystems. Data from the Fund indicates a significant rise in investments in animation, video games, and digital art, demonstrating a tangible shift in priorities. “The FEF-Création is designed to act as a catalyst,” explained a spokesperson for the Fund, “identifying and supporting projects that demonstrate both commercial viability and cultural significance.”
However, the Forum’s long-term success hinges on addressing several challenges. Ensuring equitable access to resources and training opportunities across Africa remains paramount. Disparities in digital infrastructure and skill sets could exacerbate existing inequalities, creating a “digital divide” within the creative sector. Moreover, there are concerns about potential cultural appropriation and the commodification of African narratives. The ability of France to genuinely foster a collaborative and mutually beneficial partnership, rather than imposing a top-down model, will be crucial. Recent reports suggest a growing awareness within African creative communities regarding intellectual property rights and the need for greater control over their cultural output.
Looking ahead, within the next six months, the impact of the Création Africa Forum will primarily be measured by the number of collaborative projects initiated and the level of investment secured. Increased engagement between French and African companies, particularly in the areas of technology transfer and joint ventures, would be a positive indicator. In the longer term, over the next 5-10 years, the Forum’s success will be tied to the creation of sustainable and diversified creative economies across Africa, capable of contributing significantly to the continent’s overall GDP and attracting foreign investment. The potential for increased cultural tourism, driven by the showcased talent and innovative projects, also warrants consideration. Ultimately, the Création Africa Forum represents a strategic gambit by France – one that will be judged not only on its immediate successes but also on its ability to reshape the continent's creative landscape and reinforce its position within a rapidly changing global order. The challenge lies in ensuring that this initiative truly empowers African creatives, rather than simply reflecting French priorities.