The African Union (AU) and the All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have formalized their long-standing partnership to promote Africa’s creative and cultural industries, particularly in music. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on January 29, 2025, reinforces their shared commitment to celebrating and elevating African musical talent on the global stage.
Since AFRIMA’s inaugural awards ceremony in 2014, the collaboration has played a key role in advancing the Revised AU Plan of Action on Cultural and Creative Industries, supporting the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance, and advocating for AU initiatives under Agenda 2063. Notable achievements include the 2020 Stronger Together online concert for the COVID-19 Response Fund.
Minata Samate Cessouma, AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, emphasized the MoU’s significance. “With this agreement, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing African musical talent, creating opportunities for artists, and using music as a tool for integration, social cohesion, and economic transformation,” she said.
AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, welcomed the strengthened partnership and expressed gratitude to AU leadership for their unwavering support. “This milestone marks a major step forward in our shared mission to showcase African music and culture on a global scale. We look forward to expanding this partnership for the benefit of our continent,” he stated.
This renewed alliance ensures that African music continues to thrive, uplift communities, and contribute to the continent’s cultural and economic development.
