From Lagos to Cape Town: African cities are redrawing the global map of creativity

Written by Amna Hassan

Several cities are witnessing  African A remarkable transformation has occurred in recent years, as these centers have become vibrant hubs of creativity, arts and culture, benefiting from the growth of creative industries and the interest of governments and the private sector in supporting young talents.

Between art exhibitions, music, cinema and street art, these cities seek to establish themselves as global cultural destinations that reflect the modern face of the African continent.

Lagos, the capital of art and music in West Africa

The Nigerian city of Lagos has emerged as one of the most prominent artistic capitals in Africa, thanks to the flourishing “Afrobeat” music industry and the rise of global stars such as Burna Boy and Wizkid.

The city also hosts art exhibitions and film festivals that have contributed to strengthening Nollywood, the world’s second-largest film industry in terms of production.

According to UNESCO reports, the cultural and creative industries are playing an increasing role in supporting African economies and providing job opportunities for young people.

Cape Town street art and modern museums

In the south of the continent, Cape Town has transformed into an art hub that combines heritage and contemporary culture. The city is famous for its colorful street art, as well as modern museums such as the Museum of Contemporary African Art (Zeitz MOCAA), which is one of the largest museums specializing in modern African art.

A major destination for young designers and artists

The city has also become a major destination for young designers and artists, especially with the increasing number of cultural events that attract visitors from around the world.

Dakar and Marrakech: Culture, the gateway to tourism

Dakar continues to strengthen its position as a center for visual arts and music, by hosting the Dakar Biennale of Contemporary Arts, one of the most important cultural events in Africa.

In contrast, Marrakech leverages its historical heritage and traditional markets to attract international artists and creators.

Data from afdb.org indicates that the creative economy has become one of the promising sectors in Africa, especially with the increasing contribution of cultural tourism to the GDP of many countries.

Creativity as a new economic force

In Africa, the arts are no longer just a means of cultural expression, but have become an effective economic tool that supports tourism and investment and creates new opportunities for young people.

As creative industries continue to grow, African cities appear poised to play a larger role on the global cultural map in the coming years.