Course description

Governments across the world have recognised and are fostering their Creative Industries to generate wealth and economic growth. Many countries are actively embracing a wide variety of instruments and interventions to ensure that their economies remain or become

more competitive. Africa has long identified the potential of the Cultural and Creative Industries to contribute to both economic and social development. The cultural economy makes an important contribution to employment and transformation in Africa. This continued focus is evidence of the Government’s strategic recognition of the cultural and creative industries and their importance in both sustainable social and economic development. Africas diverse and dynamic arts and culture heritage is one of its richest and most important resources, with the capacity to generate significant economic and social benefits for the communities at large. The potential for the cultural and creative industries to contribute significantly to the economy of Africa is being understood and acknowledging by the Government and other stakeholders within the industries. While the cultural and creative industries have been identified as a critical driver in economic development, policy interventions and support programmes have not been effectively co-ordinated, sufficiently funded and consistently implemented.

The Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) have been identified as a key component to advancing inclusive growth and development in Africa. MNYINT highlights the importance of these businesses for job creation, innovation and competitiveness, with the goal that 90 percent of new jobs will be created by SMMEs in Africa by 2030. The successful entry and growth of these firms may create a sustainable mechanism through which the wages of those at the bottom of the wage distribution can be increased and the level of inequality reduced. It is recognised that the majority of small businesses are concentrated at the lower end of the enterprise development spectrum and face a number of challenges, including:

The prevalence of SMMEs in the creative sector underlines the need for policy-makers to address size-related constraints. SMMEs in creative industries are subject to the same constraints that afflict small enterprises in other areas of the economy. Therefore, the main focus of a partnership between the Government and the Implementing Partner(s) will focus on addressing the identified challenges whilst growing an innovative and sustainable Cultural and Creative Industries. The Implementing Partner(s) will have to outline and support the implementation of key interventions that will effectively contribute towards the creation of decent work, generate revenue, increased the market share of the provincial economy.

Programme Benefits

• Access to Creative Hubs in Townships
• Access to SMME Support
• Access to Global Markets